Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Illinois Chicago vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science and Engineering leading in median earnings while programs like Psychology and Biology serve larger student populations. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data.
Analyzing 51 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at UIC.
#51 nationally
$76K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size to help evaluate academic and financial outcomes.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Illinois Chicago.
Engineering and technology programs at UIC deliver strong post-graduation earnings, with Computer Science leading at $98,768 and Engineering disciplines ranging from $75,853 to $86,262. Information Science/Studies ranks #1 in Illinois while Computer Science achieves top-tier national standing.
These programs require substantial educational investment but generate excellent long-term returns, making them well-suited for students prioritizing high earnings potential and career advancement in technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #51 | $98,768 |
Program outcomes reflect actual graduate employment and earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, based on federal tax records and employment data. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same academic field, ensuring meaningful peer comparisons. Earnings represent median income for graduates working full-time, 10 years after initial enrollment. Debt figures reflect median borrowing among graduates with federal student loans. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. These metrics reflect labor market results rather than program prestige, helping students evaluate practical career and financial outcomes across different academic paths.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $24,448 |
| 258 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #106 | $86,262 | $29,573 | 105 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #42 | $78,717 | $25,500 | 60 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #116 | $77,771 | — | 63 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #184 | $77,381 | $39,094 | 173 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #90 | $75,853 | — | 79 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #128 | $75,299 | — | 53 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #17 | $74,356 | $15,000 | 116 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #65 | $74,149 | — | 24 |
Business programs show varied outcomes across specializations, with Accounting ($67,984) and Banking/Financial Services ($64,683) leading the group. Digital Marketing graduates earn $60,779 while Applied Economics reaches $63,369.
These programs balance solid earnings potential with moderate debt levels, offering good value propositions. This cluster serves students seeking practical business skills with reasonable return on educational investment and diverse career pathway options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #84 | $67,984★ | $21,608 | 172 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #98 | $64,683 | $29,000 | 253 |
| Digital Marketing. | #70 | $60,779 | $30,675 | 136 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #222 | $57,318 | — | 56 |
| Actuarial Science. | #70 | $53,738 | $25,543 | 121 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.Small sample | #42 | $24,272 | — | 10 |
Health programs show significant outcome variation, with Adult Health Nursing leading at $74,072 for 237 graduates, while general Health Services programs average $29,735. Nursing programs combine strong earnings with substantial enrollment, reflecting robust labor market demand.
The wide earnings range reflects different preparation levels and career trajectories within healthcare. This group serves students committed to healthcare careers with varying earning potential and service orientations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #183 | $74,072★ | $39,074 | 237 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #24 | $60,570 | — | 33 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.Small sample | — | $59,511 | — | 9 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #71 | $46,816 | — | 29 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #28 | $33,530 | $23,290 | 88 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #72 | $29,735 | $26,000 | 118 |
Biological sciences represent UIC's largest science enrollment with 409 Biology graduates earning $52,151. These programs typically prepare students for graduate study, with approximately 27% continuing to advanced degrees.
While earnings appear moderate initially, many graduates pursue medical, dental, or graduate school pathways that lead to higher long-term earnings. This group suits students planning advanced education and research-oriented career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroanatomy. | #25 | $55,298★ | — | 69 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #44 | $53,560 | — | 52 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #148 | $52,957 | — | 21 |
| Biology, General. | #75 | $52,151 | $27,581 | 409 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #120 | $47,660 | — | 25 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #44 | $38,296 | — | 35 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #85 | $37,280 | — | 18 |
Psychology represents UIC's largest single program with 459 graduates earning $47,000, ranking #59 nationally and #2 in Illinois. These programs typically emphasize human services, research, or graduate school preparation rather than immediate high earnings.
Students in this group often pursue meaningful work in social services, education, or continue to graduate programs. Best suited for students prioritizing societal impact and personal fulfillment over maximum earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #127 | $63,369★ | — | 99 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #176 | $48,704 | $25,247 | 72 |
| Psychology, General. | #60 | $47,000 | $20,096 | 459 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #134 | $44,185 | $21,033 | 66 |
| Anthropology, General. | #80 | $38,139 | — | 23 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #28 | $35,205 | — | 25 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #20 | $21,508 | — | 30 |
Communication and Media Studies, Other. leads communications with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #115 | $49,569 | $31,050 | 86 |
Catalan Language and Literature. leads humanities & arts with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #64 | $49,578★ | — | 36 |
| American History (United States). | #175 | $43,463 | — | 32 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #109 | $42,679 | $15,417 | 84 |
| Commercial Photography. | #51 | $42,578 | — | 68 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #124 | $37,721 | — | 33 |
| Acting. | #149 | $21,798 | — | 25 |
Agricultural Teacher Education. leads education with 56K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #13 | $56,110★ | — | 59 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #23 | $52,881 | — | 57 |
Corrections Administration graduates 195 students earning $49,977 with strong value scores, ranking #40 nationally. This program combines reasonable earnings with manageable debt levels, creating solid return on investment.
The field offers stable career pathways in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. Well-suited for students seeking public service careers with decent financial outcomes and job security in growing fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #38 | $49,977 | $18,299 | 195 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology achieves exceptional national ranking at #23 with 160 graduates earning $53,754. This program demonstrates how specialized interdisciplinary fields can deliver strong outcomes through focused career preparation.
The high value score reflects good earnings relative to debt levels. Ideal for students interested in fitness, sports medicine, or rehabilitation careers with solid earning potential and growing market demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | #7 | $76,366★ | — | 65 |
| Architectural Design. | #40 | $54,262 | — | 69 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #23 | $53,754 | $25,000 | 160 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #67 | $36,743 | — | 33 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #62 | $35,261 | — | 38 |
| African Studies.Small sample | #61 | $35,196 | — | 16 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
