Accounting at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's accounting program punches well above its weight. With starting salaries of $65,680 and remarkably low debt ($18,750), this program outearns 90% of accounting programs nationally while keeping debt 13% below the national median. That's an exceptional combination for a school with a 79% admission rate and tuition accessible enough that half its students receive Pell grants.

The state comparison reveals something interesting: while UIC sits at the 60th percentile among Illinois accounting programs, you're paying far less than at comparable-earning schools. You'll start just $4,000 behind Loyola grads but likely save $30,000+ in tuition. The top two Illinois programs (UIUC and Illinois Wesleyan) do show meaningfully higher earnings, but UIC still delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the debt burden. The 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment.

The slight 4% earnings growth to year four is typical for accounting, where entry salaries are already solid and early career progression tends to be steady rather than explosive. For families prioritizing value—strong earnings, manageable debt, and solid career placement—this program deserves serious consideration, especially if you're an Illinois resident comparing in-state options.