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Computer Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
90 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
91
Optimistic
90
Base Case
84
Pessimistic
Earnings $124,530/yr (69% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 22.8x earnings multiple (10.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,557K $1,460K $994K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.3x 22.8x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.3x 10.6x 7.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 91 90 84

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (10.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,983
1.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$170,405
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Computer Science program earn $124,530/yr in their first year — 69% above the $73,713 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 22.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 36% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $18,983 in median debt against $124,530 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Among 345 Computer Science programs nationally, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #3 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 37% earnings increase from $124,530 to $170,405 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

With a 44% acceptance rate, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is moderately selective, with 34,623 students enrolled in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Compare Computer Science

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of California-Berkeley →

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187) Industrial Engineering ($78,313)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 90/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 90/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The 72% 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 Urbana-Champaign one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →