Students at the University of Illinois Springfield benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that consistently exceed expectations for graduates from similar institutions.
The university delivers meaningful economic mobility for students from all backgrounds while maintaining some of the lowest net prices among public universities nationwide.
The University of Illinois Springfield delivers exceptional value as a medium-sized public university, ranking among the top institutions nationwide for affordability while maintaining strong earnings outcomes. Nearly 36% of students receive Pell Grants and about 36% are first-generation college students, yet graduates achieve solid long-term financial results with median earnings of $57,103 ten years after enrollment. What makes UIS particularly compelling is its combination of very low net prices across all income levels and earnings that consistently exceed expectations.
The university operates as a "Mobility Engine," providing broad access to students from diverse economic backgrounds while delivering meaningful upward mobility. Net prices are remarkably affordable—low-income students pay just $4,473 annually, middle-income families pay around $7,999, and even high-income families see costs of only $15,232 per year. These figures place UIS among the most affordable public universities in the nation.
As a comprehensive public university in Illinois's capital city, UIS combines the accessibility of a regional institution with the career outcomes typically associated with larger research universities. The university's strength lies in its ability to serve students who might not otherwise attend college while ensuring they graduate with the skills and credentials needed for economic success.
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a focused program portfolio that emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields with strong employment outcomes. Computer Science leads in both enrollment and financial returns, graduating 93 students annually with median earnings of $60,399, reflecting strong demand for technology skills in both government and private sector roles. Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 122 graduates earning around $40,209, providing broad career flexibility across industries.
Accounting emerges as another high-return field, with 46 graduates achieving median earnings of $50,856, benefiting from Springfield's concentration of government agencies, financial services, and professional firms. Psychology, while showing more modest earnings at $27,947 for 61 graduates, serves students interested in social services, education, and fields that often require graduate study for maximum earning potential.
The university's program mix reflects its practical mission and location advantages in Illinois's capital city. Students benefit from internship and employment opportunities in state government, healthcare systems, and regional businesses that value UIS graduates' combination of academic preparation and real-world experience. This focused approach helps explain why graduates across programs achieve earnings beyond expectations compared with peers at similar institutions.
Graduates of the University of Illinois Springfield achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for an institution of this profile. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $57,103, with the university delivering an impressive $7,338 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage places UIS in the top tier nationally for value-added performance, demonstrating the institution's ability to enhance student outcomes regardless of background.
Program-level outcomes vary meaningfully by field of study. Computer Science stands out as both a high-return and high-enrollment program, graduating 93 students annually with median earnings of $60,399 ten years out. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program with 122 graduates earning around $40,209, while Accounting graduates achieve strong mid-career earnings of $50,856. Psychology, though popular with 61 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $27,947, reflecting typical patterns for social science fields that often require additional education for maximum earning potential.
The university's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations across diverse programs reflects its practical, career-focused approach to education. Students benefit from UIS's location in Springfield, where state government, healthcare, and business sectors provide internship and employment opportunities that translate into solid post-graduation outcomes.
The University of Illinois Springfield stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the nation across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $4,473 per year after aid, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see annual expenses around $7,999. Even high-income families pay only $15,232 annually, making UIS accessible to families across the economic spectrum without the financial strain common at many public institutions.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $19,128 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,450, reflecting families' modest additional investment in their students' education. The combination of low upfront costs and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable financial model that doesn't overburden students or families.
What makes UIS particularly attractive is the relationship between what families pay and what graduates earn. With median earnings of $57,103 ten years out and typical debt loads under $20,000, most graduates can comfortably manage repayment while building financial stability. The university's affordability advantage means students can focus on academic success rather than worrying about accumulating unsustainable debt levels.
University Of Illinois Springfield Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
