University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Parkland College: which has better ROI?
The verdict
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,420 in 1.8 years versus not at all at Parkland College, on median earnings of $81,054 vs $38,320 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Parkland College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,355 | $8,048 |
| Total net cost | $57,420 | $16,096 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $81,054 | $38,320 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $8,548 |
| Payback | 1.8 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $596,460 | -$216,896 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Parkland College: frequently asked questions
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Parkland College a better value?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It clears its $57,420 net cost in about 1.8 years versus no clear payback at Parkland College, on median earnings of $81,054 vs $38,320 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Parkland College?
Parkland College: $8,048/yr net price after aid versus $14,355/yr at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — a difference of $6,307 a year, or about $41,324 over four years.
Do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Parkland College graduates earn more?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn a median $81,054 ten years after entry, versus $38,320 at Parkland College — a $42,734 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.