Value of Illinois

Worth It.

The Value of an Illinois Degree

When you graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, you graduate with a world-renowned legacy behind you.

#1
return on investment in the Big Ten (PayScale)

5★
university for combining quality and affordability (Money)

#11
best value public university
(Princeton Review)

27
Pulitzer and 23 Nobel Prize winners among faculty and alumni

Benefits of a College Education

College helps you learn more about yourself.

You'll discover passions, gain fresh insights, and meet new people. You'll also have a chance to flex your independence. As you embrace the resources and opportunities that surround you, college is a great place to grow!

College opens doors professionally.

Data consistently shows that as you increase your education level, salaries grow and unemployment rates dwindle.

Table Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates & Earning by Education

Median Weekly Earning Unemployment Rate
Doctoral $2,083 1.0%
Professional $2,080 1.4%
Master's $1,661 1.9%
Bachelor's $1,432 2.2%
Associate's $1,005 2.7%
Some College, No Degree $936 3.5%
High School Diploma $853 4.0%
Less than a High School Diploma $682 5.5%
Average $1,123 3.0%

What Sets Us Apart

We're a diverse, vibrant campus with a reputation for excellence and opportunity. Our students and faculty are known for doing amazing things, and you can see it across all areas of the university!

Stellar Programs

Whatever you want to study, we likely have it—including some of the top programs in the nation! With ever-growing major options and class choices, we're constantly expanding our horizons to elevate your academic experience.

Cutting-Edge Research

Life-changing research is being done across all disciplines here, and you can get involved right away! Work with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art labs, intern at Research Park, or start your own business through iVenture Accelerator.

Award-Winning Faculty

Our professors are renowned in their fields and constantly finding new ways to change the world through their teaching and research—and they're always ready and willing to help you!

Amazing Internships & Connections

Jobs and internships abound at Illinois, whether you want to work on campus or with a Fortune 500 company—or with a Fortune 500 company on campus! Plus your options only expand upon graduation, with over 500,000 living alumni excited to help you make connections.

Retention & Graduation Rates

How do we compare to others when it comes to graduation and retention? Here's everything you need to know!

First-Year Retention Rate

  • Us: 94%
  • All Public Universities: 78%

Six-Year Graduation Rate

  • Us: 85%
  • All Public Universities: 64%

Sources: National Student Clearinghouse and National Center for Education Statistics

Illini Success

Our graduates succeed at the highest levels. In fact, 92 Fortune 100 companies recruit Illini, and 95% of students are employed or continuing their education within 6 months of graduating. Discover more Illini achievements!

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Jonathan holding his diploma dressed in graduation regalia at Commencement

On the Horizon

Building a network of peers, connecting with mentors, and inclusive programs helped first-gen student Jonathan achieve his dream career as a Boeing engineer.

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Heather Dowdy

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As Netflix's first director of product accessibility, Heather sees a future where accessibility is a fundamental step in achieving equity.

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Cherish extending a treat in hand at Taste of Champaign

Sending a Message

Cherish blended her love of the humanities with her work at Research Park into her ideal career path: health communications. Her advice? "Don't be afraid of individuality."

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