Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes among public university graduates, earning substantially more than similar students at other institutions.
The university consistently delivers exceptional long-term earnings that place graduates in the top tier nationally for both expected and actual financial success.
Azimuth ranks the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign among the top public institutions nationwide, reflecting its exceptional balance of academic excellence and long-term financial outcomes. As Illinois' flagship research university, UIUC consistently delivers some of the strongest earnings results in public higher education, with graduates earning a median of $81,054 ten years after enrollment—well above typical public university outcomes.
What sets UIUC apart is its ability to generate substantial earnings beyond expectations for graduates. Students earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, placing the university in the top tier nationally for return on investment. This performance spans across the university's renowned programs in engineering, computer science, business, and applied sciences, where graduates routinely secure high-paying positions in technology, finance, consulting, and research.
As a large research university with selective admissions, UIUC attracts academically strong students and provides them with the resources, faculty expertise, and industry connections needed to excel in competitive career markets. The combination of academic rigor, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks creates a pathway to exceptional long-term financial success that few public universities can match.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's program portfolio reflects its status as a premier research university with particular strength in high-return technical and quantitative fields. Computer Science leads in aggregate return with 291 graduates earning exceptional median salaries of $101,592, while Mathematics and Computer Science produces even higher individual outcomes at $103,078 median earnings. These programs exemplify UIUC's ability to combine rigorous academics with direct pathways to lucrative careers in technology, data science, and quantitative finance.
Applied Economics represents the university's largest program footprint with 490 graduates, demonstrating UIUC's strength in preparing students for careers in business, policy, and finance. With median earnings of $54,817, Applied Economics graduates enter diverse career paths in consulting, government, and private sector analysis. The program's scale reflects both student demand and employer recognition of UIUC's quantitative training.
The range from highest-earning programs like Computer Science and Mathematics to more moderate-earning fields like Speech-Language Pathology shows UIUC's comprehensive academic offerings. However, the university's reputation and research focus particularly benefit students in STEM and quantitative disciplines, where employer demand, starting salaries, and long-term career trajectories align with UIUC's academic strengths and industry partnerships.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $81,054, placing the university in the 94th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive is how much graduates earn beyond expectations—UIUC students consistently outperform similar students at other institutions by substantial margins, reflecting the university's ability to add significant value to student outcomes through its academic programs, research opportunities, and industry connections.
The strongest financial returns come from UIUC's nationally recognized programs in high-demand fields. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate return major, with 291 graduates earning a median of $101,592 ten years out. Mathematics and Computer Science produces even higher individual earnings at $103,078 median, while Applied Economics, the university's largest program with 490 graduates, delivers solid returns at $54,817 median earnings. These programs reflect UIUC's particular strength in STEM and quantitative fields that lead directly to high-paying careers in technology, finance, engineering, and data science.
The university's research focus and industry partnerships create pathways to careers that continue paying dividends over time. With over 12,984 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, UIUC demonstrates both the breadth and depth of its economic impact. The combination of rigorous academics, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong employer recruitment makes UIUC a reliable pathway to substantial long-term financial success.
Affordability at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign varies significantly by family income, with the university providing substantial support for lower-income students while requiring higher contributions from middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $3,883 annually, representing exceptional value for a top-tier research university. Middle-income families face moderate costs at $10,065 per year, while higher-income families pay $28,358 annually, reflecting the university's focus on need-based aid rather than broad merit discounting.
Student debt levels are manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes UIUC graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $19,500, well within reasonable bounds given that graduates earn a median of $81,054 ten years out. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that virtually all borrowers successfully manage their debt obligations. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $30,510, higher than many public universities but still reasonable for families investing in UIUC's premium outcomes.
The university's strong financial aid performance, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally for affordability, reflects its commitment to making education accessible across income levels. The combination of generous need-based aid for lower-income students and strong earnings outcomes for all graduates creates a sustainable financial model where the investment in a UIUC education pays clear dividends over time.
University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
