Political Science and Government at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's Political Science program quietly outperforms expectations for an accessible, urban public university. First-year earnings of $38,363 might not wow anyone, but they sit comfortably above both Illinois and national medians—and that's before the real story unfolds. By year four, graduates are earning $48,704, representing 27% growth that suggests these alumni are translating their degree into career momentum rather than hitting a ceiling.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois political science programs while keeping debt about $3,000 below the state average. That combination matters more than it might appear: you're getting above-median outcomes for below-median debt at a school that admits 79% of applicants and serves a predominantly first-generation student body (half receive Pell grants). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means your child would owe roughly seven months of salary—manageable territory for a liberal arts degree.

The gap between UIC and elite programs like University of Chicago or Northwestern is substantial, yes. But compare it to private schools like DePaul or Loyola charging significantly more in tuition, and UIC's similar earnings picture starts looking sharper. For families prioritizing affordable access to Chicago's internship market and public sector opportunities, this program delivers functional value rather than prestigious credentials—and the four-year earnings trajectory suggests graduates know how to leverage both.