Biology at University of Illinois Chicago
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UIC's biology program starts graduates at below-average salaries but delivers impressive earnings growth that transforms the financial picture. While first-year earnings of $28,768 trail both national and Illinois medians by about $4,000, graduates see an exceptional 81% salary jump to $52,151 by year four—well above typical biology earnings. The low debt load of $18,000 (compared to $25,000+ statewide and nationally) means graduates aren't burdened while their careers accelerate.
This "slow start, strong finish" pattern makes sense for biology, where many graduates pursue additional training, research positions, or graduate school before hitting their stride professionally. Among Illinois biology programs, UIC ranks solidly in the middle (40th percentile) for earnings, though it notably underperforms compared to several state universities that place graduates in the upper $30,000s immediately.
The financial fundamentals work in your favor here: minimal debt combined with strong earnings growth creates a manageable transition period. For families comfortable with a lower starting salary in exchange for solid long-term prospects and affordable debt, UIC biology represents reasonable value. However, if immediate earning power is the priority, other Illinois state schools deliver significantly higher starting salaries.
Where University of Illinois Chicago Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all biology 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
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (50 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago | $28,768 | $52,151 | $18,000 | 0.63 |
| Governors State University | $43,641 | $45,671 | $31,250 | 0.72 |
| Northeastern Illinois University | $40,392 | $52,784 | $14,031 | 0.35 |
| Northern Illinois University | $38,137 | $48,556 | $23,630 | 0.62 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | $38,067 | $50,151 | $22,396 | 0.59 |
| Saint Xavier University | $37,977 | $46,068 | $26,939 | 0.71 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governors State University University Park | $11,320 | $43,641 | $31,250 |
| Northeastern Illinois University Chicago | $12,383 | $40,392 | $14,031 |
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $38,137 | $23,630 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $12,922 | $38,067 | $22,396 |
| Saint Xavier University Chicago | $36,840 | $37,977 | $26,939 |
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 Illinois Chicago, approximately 50% 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 329 graduates with reported earnings and 425 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.