Return on Investment Analysis

University of Illinois Chicago ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Illinois Chicago degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Illinois Chicago is 3.1 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Illinois Chicago?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Illinois Chicago is $57,352 ($14,338 per year). 25% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Illinois Chicago graduates 5 years after enrollment is $53,218. This is $18,218 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Illinois Chicago costs about $57,352 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $53,218 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.1 years (20-year ROI: 535%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$57,352

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$18,218/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.1 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

535%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Illinois Chicago has an in-state tuition of $14,338. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $47,662. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $53,218, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $68,740. The median debt for graduates is $16,704, and 25% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated by dividing the median debt by the median annual income. Using the one-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.35. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for the additional earnings from a degree to offset the cost of tuition, can be estimated by dividing the tuition cost by the difference between the one-year earnings and the average earnings without a degree.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$14,338

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,704

Median Earnings (5yr)

$53,218

Graduation Rate

61%

Receive Financial Aid

25%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Psychology, General	$57,352	$99,400	2146%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$57,352	$125,403	3053%
Biology, General	$57,352	$52,151	498%
Medicine	$57,352	$91,356	1865%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$57,352	$109,166	2486%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$57,352	$64,683	935%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$57,352	$53,738	553%
Social Work	$57,352	$55,701	622%
Mechanical Engineering	$57,352	$77,381	1378%
Public Health	$57,352	$78,867	1430%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions	$57,352	$78,955	1433%
Accounting and Related Services	$57,352	$83,494	1591%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$57,352	$49,977	422%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$57,352	$86,262	1688%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration	$57,352	$132,125	3287%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$57,352	$53,754	554%
Marketing	$57,352	$60,779	799%
Civil Engineering	$57,352	$75,853	1325%
Economics	$57,352	$63,369	889%
Health and Medical Administrative Services	$57,352	$107,954	2444%
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General	$57,352	$0	N/A
Information Science/Studies	$57,352	$74,356	1272%
Dentistry	$57,352	$111,154	2556%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$57,352	$56,110	636%

Peer Comparison

University of Illinois Chicago Current

535%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-Bloomington

681%

20yr ROI

Washington State University

612%

20yr ROI

University of Massachusetts-Boston

498%

20yr ROI

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

640%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$57,352

Median Debt$16,704

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$57,352

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Illinois Chicago worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Illinois Chicago has an estimated 20-year ROI of 535%. The total 4-year cost is $57,352 and graduates earn a median of $53,218 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Illinois Chicago degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Illinois Chicago?

What do University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to University of Illinois Chicago Colleges in Illinois Compare Schools ROI Rankings