Lewis University vs University of Illinois Springfield: which has better ROI?
Lewis University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,112 in 3.8 years versus 4.5 years at University of Illinois Springfield, on median earnings of $66,099 vs $57,103 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lewis University | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,028 | $9,833 |
| Total net cost | $68,112 | $39,332 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $66,099 | $57,103 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $19,128 |
| Payback | 3.8 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $286,668 | $135,528 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lewis University or University of Illinois Springfield?
University of Illinois Springfield, at $9,833 a year after aid versus $17,028 — a gap of $7,195 a year, or $28,780 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lewis University or University of Illinois Springfield graduates earn more?
Lewis University graduates report a median $66,099 ten years after entry, $8,996 more than the $57,103 at University of Illinois Springfield. 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, Lewis University or University of Illinois Springfield?
University of Illinois Springfield: its completers carry a median $19,128 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Lewis University, a difference of $2,372. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Lewis University, against 53% at University of Illinois Springfield. 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.