At $15,201/yr net price, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $81,054/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $47,054/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,201 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $81,054/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$47,054/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,883/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,955/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,065/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,358/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $138,932 | $18,835 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Doctoral | $134,287 | |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | Bachelor | $103,078 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $101,592 | $18,983 |
| Taxation. | Master | $99,404 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $95,930 | $37,154 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $93,033 | $50,712 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $87,604 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $84,100 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
84.9% of students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign gives you a strong financial return. A $15,201 median net price against $81,054 median earnings ten years out is a wide margin, and $19,500 in median debt stays well under a single year of post-graduation pay. An 84.9% graduation rate and a 94.32% retention rate mean you are likely to finish and get to that payoff, not stall out with debt and no degree.
The computing majors carry this school. Mathematics and Computer Science graduates hit $103,078, and Computer Science lands at $101,592, both while borrowing near the campus median. Illinois is a national feeder for tech, and these numbers reflect it. The engineering programs pay well too, though there is a real gap: Engineering Physics at $74,845 earns roughly $28,000 less than the Math-CS track while carrying similar debt. If you enroll in engineering expecting CS-level pay, you may be disappointed.
The specific risk here is program choice. The listed payoffs skew heavily toward computing and engineering. If you pursue a major outside those fields, the school-wide $81,054 median is pulled up by these high earners, so your own outcome could sit lower. Pick your major deliberately.
The income tiers make this an easy call for lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay $3,883. between $30-48k, $5,955. That is affordable against these earnings. Above $110k, you pay $28,358, and between $75-110k the price nearly doubles from the tier below to $20,205. At those levels the return still works, but you are paying close to sticker.
Come here for computing or engineering and the math is clearly in your favor. If you want a non-technical field and land in the top income tiers, price out other options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the cost for computer science?
Yes, UIUC computer science graduates earn $138,932 on average, making it one of the highest-paying programs in the country. With a net price of $15,201 per year and median debt of $19,500, the return on investment is strong for CS majors.
What is the ROI for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates?
UIUC graduates earn $81,054 ten years after graduation with median debt of $19,500. The school offers good value, especially for engineering and computer science programs that significantly outperform the overall graduate average.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expensive compared to other public schools?
UIUC's net price of $15,201 per year is reasonable for a top-tier public university. The school's strong financial aid brings costs down from the sticker price, making it accessible for most families.
Do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates have high student debt?
UIUC graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. Engineering and computer science majors typically pay off loans quickly due to high starting salaries.