University of Illinois Chicago combines open access admission with earnings outcomes among the highest we track. This Mobility Engine institution serves 49.6% Pell-eligible students while generating exceptional earnings beyond expectations, creating pathways for economic advancement across diverse student populations.
With excellent performance, driven by strong long-term earnings relative to educational costs
With strong results, reflecting controlled debt levels and reasonable net costs
With exceptional performance, reflecting the institution's ability to convert educational access into strong earnings outcomes for diverse student populations
With exceptional performance, reflecting the institution's ability to convert educational access into strong earnings outcomes for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Top 6 nationally for institutional performance
University of Illinois Chicago ranks #6 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, placing at the 99.7th percentile for overall institutional performance. This large public research university in Chicago maintains open access admission with a 78.5% acceptance rate while delivering exceptional post-graduation outcomes.
UIC enrolls 49.6% Pell-eligible students and 44.4% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to serving diverse student populations. As a Mobility Engine institution, UIC combines broad educational access with earnings outcomes that exceed expectations for similar student demographics.
Graduates earn $32,207 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationally, ranking at the 97.8th percentile on this critical measure. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years after enrollment, placing UIC at the 85th percentile nationally and $8,197 above the peer median of $60,543.
University of Illinois Chicago generates exceptional value through its combination of accessible admission, controlled costs, and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $68,740 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally.
The institution delivers $32,207 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it among the highest we track at the 97.8th percentile for this measure. Earnings span from $44,790 at the 25th percentile to $95,794 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career pathways across academic programs.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at an accessible public institution, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Well-suited for those interested in STEM fields like Computer Science and Engineering, as well as health professions like nursing, where UIC delivers above-average earnings despite open admission policies.
University of Illinois Chicago admits 78.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UIC in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates UIC's selectivity aligns closely with similar large public research universities. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students have strong admission prospects, though students should still demonstrate academic readiness for university-level coursework.
UIC's open access approach supports its mission as a public institution serving diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Students should approach UIC as a likely admission option while ensuring their academic preparation meets university standards.
The combination of accessible admission with strong post-graduation outcomes makes UIC an attractive option for students seeking both opportunity and results. This admission profile indicates that UIC prioritizes broad educational access while maintaining academic standards that support student success through graduation.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Illinois Chicago's published cost of attendance reaches $26,998 per year, including $14,338 in in-state tuition, $14,600 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,313 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,685 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $3,277 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning UIC as more affordable than similar large public universities. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects UIC's commitment to financial accessibility for diverse student populations.
Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial support. UIC's financial aid strategy aligns with its mission as a public institution serving metropolitan Chicago, where cost considerations significantly impact college access.
Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the majority of UIC students receive financial aid that reduces their actual costs well below published figures.
University of Illinois Chicago graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings grow from $53,218 six years after enrollment to $61,779 at eight years and $68,740 at ten years, representing 29.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes: 6,253 graduates at the ten-year horizon, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $32,207 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 97.8th percentile on this measure.
This exceptional performance indicates UIC's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement. Low-income graduates earn $62,400, reflecting strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 75th percentile ($95,794) reaching 2.1 times the 25th percentile ($44,790), reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 26.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Computer Science.
258 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
105 graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
60 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
63 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
173 graduates
University of Illinois Chicago offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Computer Science ranks #52 nationally and #4 in Illinois, graduating 258 students with median earnings of $98,768 and a value score of 72.1.
Psychology, General represents the institution's largest program, graduating 459 students annually with median earnings of $47,000 and ranking #59 nationally. Biology, General ranks #75 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 409 students with median earnings of $52,151.
Information Science/Studies achieves exceptional state-level performance, ranking #1 in Illinois with 116 graduates earning $74,356. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 253 students with median earnings of $64,683, while Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces 237 graduates earning $74,072.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #23 nationally, reflecting strong program quality alongside robust enrollment numbers across diverse academic fields.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
California State University-Long Beach Similar quality tier (#7 ranked) | CA | 47% | $64,403 | #7 | Compare |
University Of California-Los Angeles Similar quality tier (#8 ranked) | CA | 9% | $82,511 | #8 | Compare |
Florida International University Similar quality tier (#9 ranked) | FL | 59% | $60,249 | #9 | Compare |
University Of California-Davis Similar quality tier (#5 ranked) | CA | 42% | $80,838 | #5 | Compare |
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Similar quality tier (#10 ranked) | CA | 74% | $71,902 | #10 | Compare |
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This is the University Of Illinois Chicago hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-illinois-chicago/analysis.
