Economics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong returns that outpace most alternatives in the state. With first-year earnings of $58,921 growing to $75,600 by year four, this program ranks in the 80th percentile among Illinois economics programs—significantly above the state median of $47,048. The 28% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates build valuable skills that translate into meaningful career advancement.

The debt picture looks manageable at $21,228, which is actually below both the national median ($22,816) and well under the Illinois median ($25,000) for economics programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. While elite private schools like University of Chicago and Northwestern show higher earnings, they typically come with substantially higher debt loads that can offset their earnings advantage for middle-class families.

This program offers excellent value for students who can handle the academics at a respected public research university. The combination of above-average earnings, reasonable debt, and strong growth potential makes this a solid investment, especially for Illinois residents paying in-state tuition.