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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $27,521 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,884 |
| Room and Board | $16,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$16,547 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,974 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,529 |
| $30–48k | $8,119 |
| $48–75k | $10,921 |
| $75–110k | $16,185 |
| $110k+ | $25,047 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Illinois Chicago graduates manage reasonable debt levels relative to their earnings outcomes. Median student debt reaches $16,704, falling $3,296 below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking at the 83rd percentile for manageable debt levels.
Debt ranges from $6,463 at the 25th percentile to $24,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates graduates can manage their educational investment, as debt represents approximately one-quarter of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $22,609 with monthly payments of $298, providing additional context for family educational financing. The combination of below-average debt levels with above-average earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Illinois Chicago delivers exceptional return on educational investment through its combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $32,207 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 97.8th percentile nationally on this measure.
Median earnings of $68,740 exceed the peer median by $8,197, while median debt falls $3,296 below peer levels. This combination creates a favorable investment profile where graduates earn more while borrowing less than comparable institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates sustainable financial outcomes, with educational debt representing a manageable portion of post-graduation income. UIC's top 5 performance in earnings beyond expectations, combined with strong-tier affordability, positions the institution as an exceptional value proposition.
University of Illinois Chicago's financial aid system effectively targets support toward students with the greatest need. With 49.6% of students receiving Pell grants, UIC serves nearly twice the national average of Pell-eligible students at four-year institutions.
The $14,685 average financial aid savings represents more than half of the total cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources. The progressive net price structure, ranging from $9,257 for lowest-income students to $25,479 for highest-income families, demonstrates effective need-based aid distribution.
UIC's location in Illinois provides access to state financial aid programs that supplement federal assistance, particularly benefiting in-state students. The substantial aid provided to lower-income students supports the institution's role as a Mobility Engine, where educational access converts into economic advancement for diverse student populations.
