Location: Champaign, IL•In-State Tuition: $16,004•Out-of-State Tuition: $34,501•Admission Rate: 44%•Avg SAT: 1418
Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,442
95th percentile
80th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$19,175
26% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.28 ManageableSample: 119 graduates

Analysis

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's business program produces graduates earning $68,442 in their first year—50% more than the national median and 46% above the Illinois median. Among the 52 Illinois schools offering business degrees, UIUC ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming well-known competitors like Loyola and UIC. With median debt of just $19,175 (roughly $25,000 below typical levels), graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they owe about three months' salary.

The trajectory strengthens over time, with earnings climbing 19% to $81,669 by year four. This isn't just about prestige—the combination of UIUC's selective admissions (44% acceptance rate, 1418 average SAT) and strong industry connections translates into tangible financial outcomes. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results.

For Illinois families, this represents exceptional in-state value. Your child would graduate with significantly less debt than peers at other schools while earning substantially more right out of the gate. At these numbers, the return on investment is clear and rapid.

Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignOther business administration, management and operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earns $68k — 95th percentile among business administration, management and operations bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$68,442$81,669+19%
Augustana College$50,210$67,269+34%
Illinois Wesleyan University$48,706$67,148+38%
Illinois State University$50,647$64,538+27%
Benedictine University$49,611$64,496+30%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (52 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$68,442$81,669$19,1750.28
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$65,781—$20,8320.32
Loyola University ChicagoChicago$51,716$64,513$56,763$25,0000.39
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford$13,546$59,693$56,566$37,3150.63
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale$13,244$55,633$58,561$27,5000.49
DeVry University-IllinoisLisle$17,488$55,102$55,550$46,7970.85
National Median—$45,703—$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 119 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.