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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago | $28,768 | $52,151 | +81% |
| Benedictine University | $29,215 | $58,750 | +101% |
| DePaul University | $30,750 | $56,990 | +85% |
| Aurora University | $32,691 | $55,327 | +69% |
| Eastern Illinois University | $31,278 | $54,609 | +75% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $28,768 | $52,151 | $18,000 | 0.63 |
 Governors State UniversityUniversity Park | $11,320 | $43,641 | $45,671 | $31,250 | 0.72 |
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $40,392 | $52,784 | $14,031 | 0.35 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $38,137 | $48,556 | $23,630 | 0.62 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $38,067 | $50,151 | $22,396 | 0.59 |
 Saint Xavier UniversityChicago | $36,840 | $37,977 | $46,068 | $26,939 | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.