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Information Science at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,651/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #55 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Information Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$751K	$730K	$603K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.1x	12.7x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.4x	6.2x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	68%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$57,352

Out-of-state: $117,440 (6.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$49,252

14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,149

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$79,273

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $58,651/yr, roughly in line with the $59,433 national median for Information Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Information Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Information Science's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $58,651 far exceeding the $14,149 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #55 of 129 Information Science programs, University of Illinois Chicago scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $58,651 to $79,273 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago accepts 78% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 21,814 in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Information Science at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at University of Illinois Chicago?

This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Information Science careers?

With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $602,605 in decade earnings vs $751,242 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →