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Public Policy Analysis at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,205/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $444K $448K $432K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.7x 7.8x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 35

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 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,250
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $35,205 per year, Public Policy Analysis graduates from University of Illinois Chicago earn below the $46,424 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Policy Analysis career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #34 ranking among 40 Public Policy Analysis programs places University of Illinois Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Illinois Chicago

With 78% of applicants admitted, University of Illinois Chicago prioritizes broad access, with 21,814 students enrolled 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

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 40 schools offering Public Policy Analysis →

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

Cornell University ($77,906) Princeton University ($73,630) Dickinson College ($61,592) Duke University ($60,501) University of Chicago ($60,057) Brown University ($58,161) Vanderbilt University ($57,023) Trinity College ($56,902)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Chicago

Computer Science ($78,040) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,045) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,926) Computer Engineering ($71,148) Mechanical Engineering ($69,871) Civil Engineering ($69,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,781) Accounting and Related Services ($65,680)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy Analysis at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Policy Analysis programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy Analysis at University of Illinois Chicago?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Illinois Chicago a good choice for Public Policy Analysis despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Chicago's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →