Mechanical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $106k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters 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
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $105,575 | $103,659 | — | — |
| Northern Illinois University | $96,253 | $87,635 | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $83,978 | — | — | — |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $83,195 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $96,253 | — |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $83,978 | — |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $51,763 | $83,195 | — |
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.