Is University of Illinois Chicago Worth It?
Chicago, IL · Large city · 22,170 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
University of Illinois Chicago is a R1 Research University located in large city in Chicago, IL. It enrolls approximately 22,170 students. The acceptance rate is 77%, making it broadly accessible. 62% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — solid. With $68,740 median earnings and $16,704 median debt, median debt equals about 3 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 69% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
3.91 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 129 of 261, grade D-.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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