Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's accounting program punches well above its weight in a crowded Illinois market. With first-year earnings of $74,731, graduates out-earn peers at 40 of the state's 42 accounting programs—and they do it with debt levels nearly $3,000 below the state median. The program outperforms even prestigious private universities like Illinois Wesleyan and Loyola Chicago, despite UIUC's 44% admission rate making it more accessible than many elite business schools.
The value proposition becomes even clearer nationally. These graduates earn 39% more than the typical accounting bachelor's recipient, placing them in the 95th percentile. While the debt load sits at $20,500 (slightly higher than ideal), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just over three months of gross income. That's a manageable burden given the strong starting salary, and earnings continue climbing to above $80,000 by year four.
For Illinois families, this is straightforward: UIUC delivers top-tier accounting outcomes at public school prices. The combination of strong employer recognition, solid earnings growth, and reasonable debt makes this one of the best accounting investments in the state.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Urbana-Champaign | $74,731 | $80,736 | +8% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $70,831 | $85,000 | +20% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $69,965 | $82,642 | +18% |
| DePaul University | $69,250 | $80,614 | +16% |
| Dominican University | $57,187 | $76,672 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $74,731 | $80,736 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington | $55,704 | $70,831 | $85,000 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $69,965 | $82,642 | $22,125 | 0.32 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $69,250 | $80,614 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $65,842 | $72,938 | $26,925 | 0.41 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $65,680 | $67,984 | $18,750 | 0.29 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% 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 150 graduates with reported earnings and 233 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.