University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77.3%, annual tuition of $14,338, average net price of $10,974, and a national rank of #163 (Grade A-), with a 61.6% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 22,170 undergraduates, and median earnings of $72,839 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 80.2% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 142.8%, roughly 92.9 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is University of Illinois Chicago Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Illinois Chicago graduates 61.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 69.7% and keeps 80.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Illinois Chicago's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,338 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,026 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,521 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.9% of University of Illinois Chicago students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,529 to $25,047 depending on family income. Use University of Illinois Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,185/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,047/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $72,839
- 10-Year Median Earnings $68,740
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $16,704
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.8%
- Employment Rate 90.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Illinois Chicago graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Illinois Chicago vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Illinois Chicago's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Illinois Chicago's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Illinois Chicago graduates report median earnings of $72,839 four years after graduation, +21% above the national median. The 142.8% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-670
- SAT Math 560-680
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 22,170
- Full-Time Students 91.1%
- Part-Time Students 8.9%
- Retention Rate 80.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 61.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 69.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Illinois Chicago
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Illinois Chicago requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 77.3%, University of Illinois Chicago is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 77.3% acceptance rate, University of Illinois Chicago is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Illinois Chicago undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Computer Science draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 9.8%
- Biology, General 8.7%
- Computer Science 5.5%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.1%
See more majors
- Mechanical Engineering 3.7%
- Accounting and Related Services 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $116,325
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,600
- 3. Mathematics and Computer Science $91,459
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $90,756
- 5. Industrial Engineering $88,853
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $88,275
- 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $86,517
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $85,957
- 9. Civil Engineering $83,670
- 10. Computer Engineering $80,522
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $241,068
- 2. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $221,983
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $161,284
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $143,571
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $132,305
- 6. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $131,013
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $122,917
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $120,651
- 9. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $117,363
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $116,791
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $116,325—44% more than Computer Engineering ($80,522). Graduate: Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs lead with $241,068 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Illinois Chicago. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 459 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 409 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 315 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 258 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 253 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (61 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Marketing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Economics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Architecture
- Design and Applied Arts
- Sociology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Statistics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Public Health
- Public Policy Analysis
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Area Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Music
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Engineering Physics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Master's Degrees (75 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Administration
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Sustainability Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mechanical Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Civil Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Biotechnology
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Design and Applied Arts
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Economics
- Statistics
- Psychology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Architecture
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Sociology
- Security Science and Technology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Materials Engineering
- Physics
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Real Estate
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Construction Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Doctoral Degrees (53 programs)▼
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Industrial Engineering
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Philosophy
- Education, Other
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Public Administration
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Sustainability Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Social Work
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Law
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 22,170
- Full-Time Students 91.1%
- Part-Time Students 8.9%
- Male Students 46.5%
- Female Students 53.5%
- Caucasian 22.4%
- Asian 21.1%
- Hispanic 36.1%
- Black 8.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Illinois Chicago's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Illinois Chicago's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Illinois Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Illinois Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Illinois Chicago has a diverse student body, with 22.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Illinois Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Illinois Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Illinois Chicago serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #163 nationally with a 142.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,974 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $72,839 median earnings. The 61.6% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 80.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Illinois Chicago's Strengths
Ranked #163 with a A- grade, University of Illinois Chicago prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Illinois Chicago excel at providing affordable education ($10,974 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Illinois Chicago's 80.2% retention and 61.6% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($72,839 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Illinois Chicago's 142.8% ROI and $10,974 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 61.6% graduation rate sits 0.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.2% first-year retention is 3.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 142.8% return on investment is 92.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $72,839 run about 21% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $10,974 is roughly $9,105 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.8% employment rate within three years sits 22.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of Illinois Chicago—a public university in Chicago, IL—at A- overall. It is currently ranked #163 nationally Completion earns B, Support B-, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 80.2% retention, 61.6% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 69.7% earning an award within eight years. The reported ROI is 142.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,974 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,521.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $16,547 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,704 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $72,839 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 21% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.8%.
Plan around an ROI of about 142.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
77.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Illinois Chicago admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Illinois Chicago's acceptance rate?
University of Illinois Chicago's acceptance rate is 77.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Illinois Chicago cost?
At University of Illinois Chicago, listed tuition and fees are $14,338 per year, and the average net price after aid is $10,974. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Illinois Chicago's ranking?
University of Illinois Chicago ranks #163 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Illinois Chicago's graduation rate?
At University of Illinois Chicago, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 61.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 69.7%, and first-year retention is 80.2%.
What are University of Illinois Chicago's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Illinois Chicago report median earnings of $72,839 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Illinois Chicago's student population?
University of Illinois Chicago enrolls about 22,170 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Chicago, IL 60607
- Website www.uic.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$525.0M