6 Interdisciplinary Studies colleges in Illinois with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $63,378.
Top Interdisciplinary Studies graduates on this list earn over $81,054—and these schools actually serve the students who need them most. With mobility scores at the 60th percentile or above, these 6 programs deliver both access and results.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads the rankings, producing Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earning $81,054 while maintaining a 98th percentile mobility score. Across this list, average graduate earnings reach $63,378—demonstrating that schools serving low-income students can compete on outcomes, not just access.
University of Illinois Chicago serves 50% Pell Grant recipients—students from families earning under $60,000—while still producing graduates earning $68,740. Even better: graduates face just a 4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Access AND affordability.
Earnings: $81,054 | Mobility: 98th percentile
50% Pell students with $68,740 earnings
4% payment burden | Excellent
11% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $81,054 | $19,500 | Good | $34,511 | High | 98th percentile mobility | |
| #2 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $68,751 | $23,168 | High | $41,563 | High | 86th percentile mobility |
| #3 | $68,740 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Good | 99th percentile mobility | |
| #4 | $56,346 | $20,500 | High | $21,500 | High | 89th percentile mobility | |
| #5 | $53,390 | $21,543 | Manageable | $19,500 | High | 88th percentile mobility | |
| #6 | $51,989 | $21,500 | Good | $17,781 | Challenging | 74th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
