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

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (48 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Illinois Chicago$52,957
University of Chicago$100,421$107,611$12,0000.12
Northwestern University$79,530$85,521$12,4180.16
DePaul University$55,586$75,420$26,1540.47
Illinois State University$52,597$56,681$20,3090.39
McKendree University$51,157$51,631$21,7500.43
National Median$48,772$21,5000.44

Other Mathematics Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Chicago
Chicago
$66,939$100,421$12,000
Northwestern University
Evanston
$65,997$79,530$12,418
DePaul University
Chicago
$44,460$55,586$26,154
Illinois State University
Normal
$16,021$52,597$20,309
McKendree University
Lebanon
$34,070$51,157$21,750

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.