Computer Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UIUC's Computer Science program produces some of the highest-earning graduates in the country, with first-year median salaries of $124,530—far exceeding the national median of $70,950 for CS programs. This is the top-ranked program among Illinois public universities and outperforms even Northwestern and the University of Chicago in earnings outcomes. At the 95th percentile nationally and within Illinois, these graduates enter the upper tier of the tech industry immediately.
The debt picture makes this exceptional value even clearer. With a median debt of $20,500 (below both state and national medians) and a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16, graduates owe less than two months' salary. Strong earnings growth to $143,775 by year four suggests graduates are advancing into senior engineering roles or competitive tech hubs. The relatively accessible 44% admission rate means this isn't just for students targeting Ivy League schools.
For parents worried about tech sector volatility or program quality, UIUC's reputation carries weight—this is the program that trained the founders of PayPal, YouTube, and Yelp. The combination of elite outcomes without elite debt makes this one of the strongest ROI propositions in computer science. If your child can get admitted and handle the academic rigor, this program delivers career-launching credentials at a fraction of the cost of comparable private alternatives.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $125k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
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
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $124,530 | $143,775 | $20,500 | 0.16 |
| University of Chicago | $117,578 | $175,145 | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $99,981 | $130,650 | $14,600 | 0.15 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $86,005 | $103,119 | $23,250 | 0.27 |
| Wheaton College | $81,470 | — | — | — |
| Illinois State University | $81,363 | $89,443 | $22,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago Chicago | $66,939 | $117,578 | — |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $99,981 | $14,600 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $51,763 | $86,005 | $23,250 |
| Wheaton College Wheaton | $43,930 | $81,470 | — |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $81,363 | $22,500 |
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 175 graduates with reported earnings and 149 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.