Head-to-head · 2026
University of Illinois Chicago vs University of Illinois Springfield
Compare average net price ($10,974 at University of Illinois Chicago; $9,833 at University of Illinois Springfield), ROI score (15.66 vs 14.52), ten-year median earnings ($68,740 vs $57,103), and admissions selectivity (77.4% acceptance at University of Illinois Chicago; 85.9% at University of Illinois Springfield) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Illinois Chicago has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Illinois Chicago leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of Illinois Chicago | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.66 ✓ | 14.52 |
| Avg net price | $10,974 | $9,833 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $68,740 ✓ | $57,103 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.4% ✓ | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 61.6% ✓ | 53.2% |
| Median debt | $16,704 ✓ | $19,128 |
| Enrollment | 22,170 | 2,263 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1250 ✓ | 1102 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Chicago costs $1,141 more per year than University of Illinois Springfield ($10,974 vs $9,833). University of Illinois Chicago graduates report $11,637 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,740 vs $57,103). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Illinois Chicago ahead on projected ROI (15.66 vs 14.52, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Illinois Chicago) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Illinois Chicago is accessible at 77.4% acceptance versus 85.9% (accessible) at University of Illinois Springfield.
Frequently asked
University of Illinois Chicago vs University of Illinois Springfield, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Illinois Chicago or University of Illinois Springfield the better value?
University of Illinois Chicago has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.66 vs 14.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Illinois Springfield is cheaper — average net price $9,833 per year vs $10,974 at University of Illinois Chicago. The annual difference of $1,141 adds up to about $4,564 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Chicago reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,740 vs $57,103 at University of Illinois Springfield. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,637.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Illinois Chicago is more selective at 77.4% acceptance vs 85.9% at University of Illinois Springfield.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of Illinois Chicago reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Springfield reports A.