University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$64,016
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$29,802/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
831%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a strong return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $19,500. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $53,513. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $64,802, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $81,054.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $19,500 and earnings of $53,513 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.36. This indicates that graduates are likely able to manage their debt effectively.
The break-even timeline is relatively short. The in-state tuition is $16,004. Given the first-year earnings of $53,513, the tuition cost is earned back in a fraction of a year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$16,004
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$64,802
Graduation Rate
85%
Receive Financial Aid
29%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $64,016 | $125,120 | 2716% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $64,016 | $0 | N/A |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $64,016 | $0 | N/A |
| Economics. | $64,016 | $75,600 | 1168% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $64,016 | $80,736 | 1329% |
| Information Science/Studies. | $64,016 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer Engineering. | $64,016 | $122,137 | 2622% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | $64,016 | $59,437 | 663% |
| Statistics. | $64,016 | $84,760 | 1455% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $64,016 | $61,211 | 719% |
| Political Science and Government. | $64,016 | $63,542 | 792% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $64,016 | $99,685 | 1921% |
Peer Comparison
831%
20yr ROI
725%
20yr ROI
1694%
20yr ROI
2203%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.