Median Earnings (1yr)
$82,681
95th percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Est. Median Debt
$16,875
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

First-year earnings of $82,681 place this program among the nation's elite statistics degrees—95th percentile nationally—though it's worth noting that debt figures here are estimated from peer programs at the University of Chicago rather than from actual statistics graduates. Still, even if actual debt runs higher than the $16,875 estimate, the earnings trajectory suggests strong fundamentals. The program outpaces Northwestern's reported $77,917 and sits well above the national median of $59,718, indicating UChicago's brand and rigor translate to measurable market advantage.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 would be excellent if it holds true, though parents should verify actual borrowing levels before assuming this favorable picture. What matters more than the precise debt figure is that statistics graduates from top programs—and UChicago qualifies—consistently command premiums in data science, finance, and tech sectors. The 5% admission rate and 1554 average SAT mean your child is competing with exceptional peers, which often drives both networking value and employer interest.

The practical takeaway: if your child gains admission and the actual financial aid package keeps debt near or below this estimate, the investment looks sound. But confirm the numbers directly with financial aid—estimated debt can mask significant variation depending on family circumstances and aid generosity.

Where University of Chicago Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of ChicagoChicago$66,939$82,681—$16,875*—
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$77,917—$14,000*0.18
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$68,636$84,760$19,394*0.28
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$38,296—$22,945*0.60
National Median—$59,718—$20,150*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.