DeVry University-Illinois vs University of Illinois Chicago: which has better ROI?
University of Illinois Chicago has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,896 in 2.2 years versus not at all at DeVry University-Illinois, on median earnings of $68,740 vs $45,987 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | DeVry University-Illinois | University of Illinois Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,770 | $10,974 |
| Total net cost | $123,080 | $43,896 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,987 | $68,740 |
| Median debt | $24,807 | $16,704 |
| Payback | — | 2.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$170,540 | $363,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, DeVry University-Illinois or University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago, at $10,974 a year after aid versus $30,770 — a gap of $19,796 a year, or $79,184 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do DeVry University-Illinois or University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn more?
University of Illinois Chicago graduates report a median $68,740 ten years after entry, $22,753 more than the $45,987 at DeVry University-Illinois. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, DeVry University-Illinois or University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago: its completers carry a median $16,704 in federal loans versus $24,807 at DeVry University-Illinois, a difference of $8,103. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at University of Illinois Chicago, against 37% at DeVry University-Illinois. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.