Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech's computer science graduates start at $86,000—well above the national median of $71,000 and solidly in the 80th percentile nationally. That's a strong return, especially with debt at $23,250, producing a manageable 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room. Four years out, earnings climb to $103,000, demonstrating genuine career momentum in Chicago's tech market.

The wrinkle is Illinois context. While these outcomes look excellent nationally, Illinois is home to several powerhouse CS programs. Illinois Tech falls in the middle of the pack statewide—above the $71,000 state median but notably behind UIUC ($125,000), UChicago ($118,000), and Northwestern ($100,000). It's essentially tied with schools like Illinois State and Wheaton at the four-year mark. Given its 55% acceptance rate and solid academic profile, you might expect a wider gap between Illinois Tech and less selective state schools.

For families choosing between Illinois Tech and a top-tier program, this matters. You're looking at potentially $20,000+ less in starting salary compared to the most competitive options. However, if those elite programs aren't realistic admits, Illinois Tech delivers respectable earnings with reasonable debt—a combination that lets graduates build tech careers without financial stress. The 20% earnings growth suggests its Chicago connections translate into real opportunities.