University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines selective admissions with exceptional economic mobility outcomes, ranking in the 97.9th percentile nationally. As a Selective Achievers institution, UIUC generates $11,414 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels below peer institutions, supporting long-term financial stability.
With excellent tier status, driven by strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With above-average performance, reflecting controlled costs and moderate debt levels relative to outcomes achieved
With excellent tier performance, indicating above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students despite selective admission standards
With exceptional tier status, reflecting the institution's ability to generate strong economic outcomes for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Top 25 nationally for comprehensive outcomes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #24 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, with exceptional mobility performance at the 97.9th percentile. Located in Champaign, Illinois, this large public research university maintains selective admission standards with a 43.7% acceptance rate while delivering top-tier post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students and 24.9% first-generation students, positioning it as a Selective Achievers institution that combines academic rigor with strong economic outcomes. Graduates earn $11,414 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 87.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years after enrollment, placing UIUC at the 94th percentile for long-term earnings performance. Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $20,511 more annually, demonstrating the institution's ability to translate educational quality into sustained career advancement.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 94th percentile nationally and generating $11,414 in earnings beyond expectations.
This places UIUC at the 87.2nd percentile for value-added performance, indicating the institution consistently exceeds predicted outcomes for its student population. Earnings span from $54,886 at the 25th percentile to $116,541 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the diversity of career paths across disciplines.
Students seeking rigorous STEM education at a top-ranked public research university, particularly those interested in computer science, engineering, or quantitative fields. Well-suited for academically strong students who value exceptional outcomes with moderate debt levels and appreciate the comprehensive resources of a large research institution.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admits approximately 43.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places UIUC in the selective tier, with admission standards that require strong academic preparation but remain more accessible than highly competitive institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that UIUC maintains significantly higher academic standards than typical four-year institutions, with acceptance rates 34.4 percentage points lower than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that admitted students have demonstrated consistent academic excellence, though the institution remains accessible to a broader range of well-prepared applicants than elite private universities.
Students should approach UIUC as a competitive option that requires solid academic credentials but offers realistic admission prospects for students with strong preparation. The 43.7% acceptance rate suggests that students with academic profiles matching the institution's standards have reasonable chances of admission, making it an appropriate target school for academically strong students rather than a reach for most qualified applicants.
Applicants should build balanced college lists that include institutions with both similar and higher acceptance rates to ensure adequate options.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's published cost of attendance is $32,134 annually, including $16,004 in-state tuition, $13,938 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $34,501, bringing total costs significantly higher.
However, the average student pays $15,201 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $16,933 from the sticker price. This net price sits $389 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating costs remain competitive with similar institutions.
The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most families, with the average student paying less than half the published price. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $3,883 for the lowest-income families to $28,358 for the highest earners.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that students from different economic backgrounds face costs aligned with their families' financial capacity. The $25,000 difference between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates the institution's commitment to maintaining access across economic circumstances while generating revenue from families with greater ability to pay.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates demonstrate robust earnings growth over time, with median earnings increasing from $64,802 six years after enrollment to $74,029 at eight years and $81,054 at ten years. This represents 25.1% growth from the six-year mark, indicating steady career advancement as graduates establish themselves professionally.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 7,090 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures and reflecting outcomes across the institution's comprehensive range of academic programs. Graduates earn $11,414 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UIUC at the 87.2nd percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in translating educational quality into career outcomes.
Low-income graduates earn $67,900, showing that the institution supports economic mobility across income backgrounds. The earnings distribution from $54,886 to $116,541 reflects meaningful variation across programs, with particularly strong outcomes in STEM fields.
Approximately 27.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating the institution prepares students effectively for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Computer Science.
291 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
341 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
60 graduates
Mathematics and Computer Science.
80 graduates
Nuclear Engineering.
30 graduates
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with comprehensive federal earnings data for evaluation. Computer Science ranks #24 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 291 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $143,775 and a strong value score of 87.4.
Computer Engineering ranks #7 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 341 students with median earnings of $122,137 and an outstanding value score of 95.1. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #13 nationally and #1 in Illinois, with 256 graduates earning $99,685.
Mathematical Statistics and Probability ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 335 students with median earnings of $84,760. Accounting Technology ranks #25 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 374 graduates with median earnings of $80,736.
Several programs represent flagship offerings at the institution, including Behavioral Neuroscience with 542 graduates, Applied Economics with 490 graduates, and the highly-ranked Computer Engineering program.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Depauw University Higher acceptance rate (10.4 percentage points higher) and located 79 miles away; similar graduate earnings | IN | 54% | $70,527 | Compare |
Wabash College Higher acceptance rate (19.1 percentage points higher) and located 70 miles away; similar graduate earnings | IN | 63% | $69,952 | Compare |
Ohio Northern University Higher acceptance rate (29.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | OH | 73% | $80,928 | Compare |
Illinois Institute Of Technology Higher acceptance rate (11.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | IL | 55% | $82,592 | Compare |
Purdue University-Main Campus Same region (73 miles away) (earnings difference: 10.6%) and similar program focus; same institution type | IN | 50% | $72,424 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Similar quality tier (#24 ranked) | AZ | 90% | $62,668 | #24 | Compare |
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Cuny Hunter College Similar quality tier (#26 ranked) | NY | 54% | $63,163 | #26 | Compare |
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