Head-to-head · 2026
University of Chicago vs University of Illinois Springfield
Compare average net price ($14,860 at University of Chicago; $9,833 at University of Illinois Springfield), ROI score (15.46 vs 14.52), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($91,885 vs $57,103), and admissions selectivity (4.5% acceptance at University of Chicago; 85.9% at University of Illinois Springfield) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | University of Chicago | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 15.46 ✓ | 14.52 |
| Avg net price | $14,860 | $9,833 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $59,440 | $39,332 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $70,662 | $12,252 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $70,662 | $22,017 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $91,885 ✓ | $57,103 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 95.9% ✓ | 53.2% |
| Retention rate | 99.3% ✓ | 74.8% |
| Median debt | $15,000 ✓ | $19,128 |
| Enrollment | 7,569 | 2,263 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1554 | 1102 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | University of Chicago | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | -$1,264 ✓ | $5,778 |
| Family income $30–48k | $914 ✓ | $5,915 |
| Family income $48–75k | $226 ✓ | $9,520 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,602 | $12,349 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $48,524 | $16,544 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | University of Chicago | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 4.3% | 15.2% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 0.2% | 13.9% |
| Economics | 10.2% | 0.1% |
| Political Science and Government | 1.7% | 4.3% |
| Biology, General | 2% | 3.6% |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 1.3% | 3.7% |
| Public Policy Analysis | 4.8% | 0.1% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 0.7% | 4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Illinois Springfield reports the lower average net price by $5,027 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $20,108 difference over four years ($39,332 vs $59,440).
University of Chicago reports $34,782 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($91,885 vs $57,103). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 99.3% at University of Chicago and 74.8% at University of Illinois Springfield. Median federal debt among completers is $15,000 vs $19,128, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
University of Chicago vs University of Illinois Springfield, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Illinois Springfield is cheaper — average net price $9,833 per year vs $14,860 at University of Chicago. The annual difference of $5,027 adds up to about $20,108 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Chicago reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $91,885 vs $57,103 at University of Illinois Springfield. The gap in the federal data is $34,782. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Chicago is more selective at 4.5% acceptance vs 85.9% at University of Illinois Springfield.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.