Marketing at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's marketing program starts significantly behind the state pack—nearly $10,000 below comparable Illinois programs in year-one earnings—but demonstrates something more valuable than a strong debut: genuine career trajectory. By year four, graduates earning over $60,000 have closed much of that gap through 42% earnings growth, suggesting they're gaining traction in Chicago's competitive market rather than plateauing early.

The debt picture provides meaningful breathing room. At $18,750, graduates carry roughly $5,000 less than typical marketing majors both nationally and in Illinois, translating to manageable monthly payments even during that slower-earning first year. The 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio means a graduate could theoretically pay off their entire loan with half of one year's salary—a cushion that matters when you're building a career in an entry-level marketing role.

This program won't match the earning power of Illinois flagship or private competitors, but for families prioritizing affordability and upward mobility (half of students receive Pell grants), it offers a workable equation. Your child would graduate with light debt and clear earnings momentum, particularly valuable if they're networking and job-hopping strategically in Chicago. The slower start reflects UIC's broader profile as an access-oriented urban university, not necessarily weakness in program quality or employer connections.