University of Illinois Springfield combines open admission access with above-expected earnings performance. The institution delivers $7,338 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining exceptional affordability through controlled costs and moderate debt levels, supporting accessible pathways to career advancement.
With above-average tier designation, driven by solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With excellent tier performance, reflecting the institution's ability to control costs while maintaining quality education
With above-average tier status, indicating moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students alongside substantial transfer student populations
With typical tier performance, reflecting the balance between access and outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Exceptional affordability with solid career outcomes
University of Illinois Springfield ranks #342 nationally with affordability performance at the 90.1st percentile, earning an excellent tier rating for cost management. Located in Springfield, Illinois, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission standards with an 84.4% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 35.9% Pell-eligible students and 36.2% first-generation students, alongside a substantial 64.1% transfer student population. Graduates earn $7,338 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 80.5th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years after enrollment, placing University of Illinois Springfield in the 63rd percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $6,987 more annually.
This combination of accessible admission, controlled costs, and solid economic outcomes positions University of Illinois Springfield as an Opportunity Builder institution, where accessible education supports career advancement.
University of Illinois Springfield delivers solid earnings outcomes with exceptional affordability management. Graduates earn a median of $57,103 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 63rd percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $38,573 at the 25th percentile to $81,440 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across business, technology, and liberal arts disciplines. The institution generates $7,338 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 80.5th percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking affordable education with practical career outcomes, particularly in Business Administration, Computer Science, and technology fields. Well-suited for transfer students (64.1%) and working adults who value accessible admission standards alongside solid post-graduation earnings.
University of Illinois Springfield's combination of open access and above-average outcomes serves students prioritizing practical education over prestige.
University of Illinois Springfield admits approximately 84.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, reflecting a mission to provide broad educational opportunity rather than selective exclusivity.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows University of Illinois Springfield operates similarly to comparable public institutions, with only a 0.2 percentage point difference. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students can expect admission with reasonable confidence, though meeting minimum academic standards remains important.
The institution's open access approach aligns with its substantial transfer student population of 64.1%, indicating systems designed to accommodate students from diverse educational backgrounds. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests that academic preparation and program fit matter more than competitive rankings against other applicants.
Students should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work rather than viewing University of Illinois Springfield as highly uncertain. The combination of accessible admission with above-average test score ranges suggests the institution attracts academically capable students who value practical outcomes over prestige.
This creates an environment where students can focus on academic and career preparation rather than competitive pressure.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Illinois Springfield demonstrates exceptional affordability management with a published cost of attendance of $23,643 per year. This breaks down to $12,252 in-state tuition, $12,088 for room and board, and $1,260 for books and supplies.
Out-of-state students pay $22,017 in tuition. However, the average student pays just $8,916 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,727 annually.
This net price ranks substantially below the peer median of $14,093, saving students $5,177 compared to similar institutions. The gap between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates robust financial aid systems that make education accessible across income levels.
University of Illinois Springfield's cost structure reflects its public mission to provide affordable education while maintaining quality programming. The substantial financial aid savings indicate institutional commitment to need-based assistance that reduces barriers to college access.
For families concerned about college costs, University of Illinois Springfield offers among the most affordable options in public higher education, with net prices that make degree completion financially feasible for diverse student populations.
University of Illinois Springfield graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $47,432 six years after enrollment to $53,900 at eight years and $57,103 at ten years, representing 20.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 986 graduates at six years, 1,171 at eight years, and 1,295 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $7,338 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of Illinois Springfield in the 80.5th percentile for earnings uplift.
This value-added performance reflects the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success across diverse academic backgrounds. Low-income graduates earn $45,900, demonstrating consistent outcomes regardless of economic background.
Earnings span from $38,573 at the 25th percentile to $81,440 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation based on program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 23.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to program mix methodology.
The earnings trajectory shows steady progression supporting both immediate workforce entry and long-term career advancement.
Computer Science.
93 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
46 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
122 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
9 graduates
Corrections Administration.
20 graduates
University of Illinois Springfield offers 9 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Business Administration and Management ranks #96 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 122 graduates with median earnings of $56,368 and an impressive value score of 72.0, making it the institution's flagship program by enrollment.
Computer Science ranks #98 nationally and #6 in Illinois, graduating 93 students with median earnings of $84,231 and a value score of 47.0. Psychology ranks #162 nationally and #8 in Illinois, with 61 graduates earning $42,777.
Accounting Technology ranks #189 nationally and #12 in Illinois, graduating 46 students with median earnings of $60,248. Communication and Media Studies graduates 32 students annually with median earnings of $44,045.
The institution's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-oriented disciplines with strong representation in business and technology fields that align with regional employment opportunities.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
State University Of New York At Oswego Similar quality tier (#342 ranked) | NY | 80% | $57,566 | #342 | Compare |
Norfolk State University Similar quality tier (#337 ranked) | VA | 87% | $44,666 | #337 | Compare |
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Similar quality tier (#335 ranked) | MA | 95% | $82,392 | #335 | Compare |
Fayetteville State University Similar quality tier (#343 ranked) | NC | 80% | $40,144 | #343 | Compare |
Texas A&M University-San Antonio Similar quality tier (#345 ranked) | TX | 92% | $54,338 | #345 | Compare |
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