Students seeking strong long-term earnings potential at an accessible public research university, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students who want proven upward mobility outcomes. The University of Illinois Chicago works especially well for students interested in computer science, engineering, or business who value both academic quality and financial accessibility in a major urban setting. Families who need substantial financial aid but still want access to high-return career pathways will find UIC's combination of low net prices and strong graduate earnings particularly compelling.
Students at the University of Illinois Chicago earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
This exceptional performance extends particularly to low-income students, who achieve earnings outcomes that place UIC among the very best institutions for economic mobility.
Azimuth ranks the University of Illinois Chicago 6th out of approximately 700 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 99th percentile for overall value. This exceptional ranking reflects UIC's rare ability to combine broad accessibility with consistently strong long-term outcomes across diverse student populations. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and more than 44% are first-generation college students, yet graduates still achieve median earnings of $68,740 ten years after enrollment while earning significantly more than similar students at peer institutions.
What distinguishes UIC is its classification as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that provide both high access for low-income students and exceptional outcomes for those students once enrolled. Low-income graduates earn a median of $62,400 ten years out, placing UIC in the top 10% nationally for low-income student earnings. This performance spans multiple fields, from computer science and engineering to business and health sciences, reflecting the university's comprehensive program portfolio and strong employer connections throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
As a large public research university in one of America's major economic centers, UIC offers the scale and resources of a flagship institution with the accessibility and affordability that many families need. The combination of top-tier financial outcomes, broad program offerings, and genuine commitment to student success makes UIC an exceptional choice for students seeking both academic opportunity and long-term economic mobility.
The University of Illinois Chicago's program portfolio reflects both breadth and strategic focus on high-return fields. Computer Science leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 258 graduates with strong early-career earnings around $68,153, making it a key economic engine for the university. Psychology enrolls the largest number of students at 459 graduates, providing a popular foundation for diverse career paths, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at approximately $70,610.
The university's strength spans multiple high-demand sectors. Engineering programs consistently produce graduates who command strong starting salaries and benefit from Chicago's robust manufacturing and technology sectors. Computer Science and related technical fields connect directly to the region's growing technology economy, while business and health science programs tap into Chicago's status as a major financial and healthcare center.
UIC's comprehensive program scale creates meaningful industry presence and alumni network density throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. This substantial cohort size enhances employer recruitment patterns and provides students with extensive mentorship and job placement opportunities across the region's diversified economy. The university's ability to graduate significant numbers of students in high-return fields while maintaining quality across its broader program portfolio helps explain its exceptional earnings outcomes.
Graduates of the University of Illinois Chicago achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $68,740, with the university ranking in the top 17% nationally for graduate earnings. More importantly, UIC graduates earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions — about $32,208 beyond what would typically be expected given their backgrounds and the institution's profile. This earnings advantage places UIC among the very top public universities for delivering higher-than-expected financial returns.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 258 graduates with solid early-career earnings around $68,153. Psychology enrolls the largest number of students at 459 graduates, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at approximately $70,610 ten years out. This reflects UIC's balanced portfolio spanning high-demand technical fields, popular foundational disciplines, and professional programs that consistently connect to Chicago's diverse economy.
UIC's location in Chicago provides graduates access to one of the nation's most robust job markets, with opportunities spanning finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. The university's strong employer relationships and extensive alumni network throughout the region help explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, with many finding career paths that offer both immediate financial stability and long-term growth potential.
The University of Illinois Chicago delivers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families who form the majority of its student body. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $9,257 annually, well below typical public university costs and ranking in the top 19% nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $12,887, while even higher-income students pay $25,479 — reasonable for a major research university in a metropolitan area.
This pricing structure reflects UIC's commitment to accessibility through substantial financial aid. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants, the university has developed aid packaging that makes attendance realistic for families across income levels. The predictable, transparent pricing helps families plan effectively over four years, avoiding the surprise cost increases that can derail college completion at other institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes UIC graduates achieve. Most borrowers can handle their obligations comfortably given the university's track record of producing graduates who earn well above national averages. The combination of reasonable upfront costs, substantial grant aid, and strong post-graduation earning power creates a sustainable financial model that works for the diverse student population UIC serves.
University Of Illinois Chicago Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
