Rankings / By State
Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois
- 39
- Schools
- $57,609
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,176
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,489
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 39 schools run from $29,963 to $91,885, a 3.1× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Rock Valley College delivers the most for the money: roughly $39,158 in median earnings against $5,242 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Rock Valley College is the lowest-cost school here at $5,242 a year in net price.
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Northwestern University graduates 96% of its students, versus a 55% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Chicago carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.16× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Rock Valley College costs $5,242 a year and DePaul University costs $30,902. Yet their graduates earn $39,158 and $68,751, nowhere near the $25,660 price gap.
- On value, Rock Valley College beats University of Chicago: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Northwestern University finishes 96% of students while Chicago State University finishes 16%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Rock Valley College and Northwestern University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $57K within a decade, and data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Chicago #1 overall | $91,885 ▲ +59% vs avg | $14,860 | 95% | 87 |
| 2 Illinois Institute of Technology #2 overall | $82,592 ▲ +43% vs avg | $18,425 | 74% | 86 |
| 3 Northwestern University #3 overall | $89,363 ▲ +55% vs avg | $29,167 | 96% | 85 |
| $66,099 ▲ +15% vs avg | $17,028 | 65% | 76 | |
| $66,852 ▲ +16% vs avg | $22,719 | 74% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois
This analysis ranks 39 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $57,609 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $17,176.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Rock Valley College — Net Price: $5,242 | Graduation Rate: 38%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Northwestern University — 96% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Chicago — Median alumni earnings: $91,885
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$57,103
Median earnings (10yr)
58%
Median graduation rate
$18,425
Median net price
1.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.
Across the 39 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $57,103 ten years after they first enrolled, about $9,103 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 58%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $18,425 a year, with about $22,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 37% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.7%.
What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $57,103 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Chicago lands at #1 with a 87/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (83/100). Graduates earn a median $91,885 a decade after enrolling, 59% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,860 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Illinois Institute of Technology lands at #2 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $82,592 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,425 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Northwestern University lands at #3 with a 85/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (71/100). Graduates earn a median $89,363 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,167 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Lewis University lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Bradley University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $66,852 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,719 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #6
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,346 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,889 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Illinois State University lands at #7 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,117 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,398 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Champaign, IL · 42% accepted · $14,355 net
Why it ranks #8
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,054 a decade after enrolling, 41% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,355 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
DePaul University lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $68,751 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Dominican University lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $60,327 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,745 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Northeastern Illinois University lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $52,234 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,109 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Illinois Springfield lands at #12 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $57,103 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,833 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Illinois Chicago lands at #13 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $68,740 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,974 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Lake Forest College lands at #14 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $61,825 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,673 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Northern Illinois University lands at #15 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,808 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,391 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Eastern Illinois University lands at #16 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $51,989 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
North Central College lands at #17 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $60,123 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,044 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Elmhurst University lands at #18 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,462 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,185 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Rockford University lands at #19 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $54,794 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,436 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Knox College lands at #20 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $54,820 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,595 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Aurora University lands at #21 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,709 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,838 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Saint Xavier University lands at #22 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,656 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,970 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Trinity Christian College lands at #23 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $55,700 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,125 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Waubonsee Community College lands at #24 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,788 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,442 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Olivet Nazarene University lands at #25 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $53,213 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,729 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Rock Valley College lands at #26 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $39,158 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,242 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Roosevelt University lands at #27 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $48,712 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,194 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Parkland College lands at #28 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $38,320 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,048 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Blackburn College lands at #29 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $46,802 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,460 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Quincy University lands at #30 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $50,369 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,359 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Augustana College lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $62,971 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,736 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Chicago State University lands at #32 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $42,778 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,335 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
College of DuPage lands at #33 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $46,909 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,401 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Wheaton College lands at #34 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $63,756 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,975 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Governors State University lands at #35 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,169 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,329 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Concordia University-Chicago lands at #36 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $54,089 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,436 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College lands at #37 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (42/100). Graduates earn a median $41,625 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,375 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
National Louis University lands at #38 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,799 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,641 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
East-West University lands at #39 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (54/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $29,963 a decade after enrolling, 48% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,697 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 39 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in today's job market, with a projected 31% increase in demand for data scientists over the next decade. As students and families explore their options for higher education, it's crucial to consider institutions that not only offer solid programs but also pave the way for successful careers. In Illinois, several colleges stand out for their outcomes in this discipline.
The best data science colleges in Illinois are distinguished by key factors such as earnings potential, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall program concentration. These metrics help illustrate how well graduates are positioned for success after earning their degrees. The schools listed below have been evaluated on these outcomes, providing valuable insight into the return on investment each institution offers.
For example, the University of Chicago leads the list with impressive average earnings of $91,885 and a graduation rate of 95%, but it comes with a higher net price of $14,860. In contrast, the University of Illinois Chicago offers lower average earnings of $68,740 and a graduation rate of 61%, but a more affordable net price of $10,974. These differences highlight the trade-offs students may face when choosing the right program for their future goals.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 28 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.7%. Chicago State University leads the group at 3.7%, with Illinois Institute of Technology (3.6%) and Northeastern Illinois University (3.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 7.3% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Chicago State University leads at 25.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 28% across this list. Illinois Institute of Technology posts the highest success rate at 60.6%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.59 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Northwestern University reaches 1.83, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
In examining the data, a notable trend emerges when comparing the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While the University of Chicago has a higher average earning potential of $91,885, it also comes with a more significant financial commitment, with a net price of $14,860 and a graduation rate of 95%. In contrast, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, while slightly lower in earnings at $81,054, offers a more affordable net price of $14,355 and a graduation rate of 85%. This suggests that students may need to weigh potential debt against expected earnings when making their decisions.
As you consider these options, reflect on your personal priorities. Are you willing to invest more upfront for potentially higher earnings later, or is a more affordable education with decent outcomes your priority? Think about factors like location, campus culture, and how well each program aligns with your career aspirations. Gathering information on school visits or speaking with current students can also provide clarity on which institution feels like the right fit.
Ultimately, the path from college to a secure, stable life is shaped by the choices we make today. With data science being a pivotal career area, selecting a school that balances cost and outcome can significantly impact your future. Choosing the right program can lead to better job prospects and financial stability, making it a decision worth careful consideration.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois ranking? +
University of Chicago in Chicago, IL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $91,885 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 95% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Chicago posts the highest median earnings on this list: $91,885 ten years after enrollment, well above the $57,609 average across the 39 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Rock Valley College leads: graduates earn a median $39,158 against net price of about $5,242 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Northwestern University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 96%, compared with a 55% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,176 a year across the 39 ranked schools with cost data. Rock Valley College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,242. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 39 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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