Computer Science at University of Chicago
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Chicago graduates earn $118k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | $117,578 | $175,145 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $124,530 | $143,775 | $20,500 | 0.16 |
| Northwestern University | $99,981 | $130,650 | $14,600 | 0.15 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $86,005 | $103,119 | $23,250 | 0.27 |
| Wheaton College | $81,470 | — | — | — |
| Illinois State University | $81,363 | $89,443 | $22,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $124,530 | $20,500 |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $99,981 | $14,600 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $51,763 | $86,005 | $23,250 |
| Wheaton College Wheaton | $43,930 | $81,470 | — |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $81,363 | $22,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Chicago, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.