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Systems Science and Theory at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,239/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (23% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (120,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 6 Systems Science and Theory programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $596K $592K $555K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.2x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 53% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 50

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 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,350
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,488
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,239 place University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign below the $49,461 national median for Systems Science and Theory — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 9.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 23% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,350 debt-to-$35,239 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 6 programs offering Systems Science and Theory nationally, this is a niche field. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #3 among them.

Earnings growth from $35,239 to $59,488 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A 44% admission rate makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 34,623 students in Champaign, IL.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 6 schools offering Systems Science and Theory →

Systems Science and Theory at Other Schools

Carnegie Mellon University ($95,598) James Madison University ($65,683) La Salle University ($36,442) Rhode Island School of Design ($34,265) Marshall University ($29,539)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Systems Science and Theory program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Systems Science and Theory. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Systems Science and Theory earnings lower at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Lower starting pay at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →