Choosing a major at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) isn’t just about passion—it’s also about outcomes. For many students, one of the biggest factors is starting salary after graduation, which often reflects demand, skill scarcity, and long-term career growth.
UIUC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S., especially in fields like engineering, business, and computer science. Graduates from certain majors regularly land high-paying jobs at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 UIUC majors with the highest starting salaries, including average pay, career paths, and why these degrees are so valuable.
Why Salary Varies by Major at UIUC
Not all degrees lead to the same financial outcomes. Here’s why:
- Market Demand: Fields like computer science and engineering are in high demand
- Skill Specialization: Technical and quantitative skills command higher pay
- Industry Growth: Tech, finance, and data-driven roles are expanding rapidly
- Internship Opportunities: UIUC’s strong industry connections boost early earnings
Top 10 UIUC Majors With the Highest Starting Salaries
Below is a curated list based on typical graduate outcomes, industry trends, and employer demand.
Salary Overview Table
| Rank | Major | Avg Starting Salary | Common Careers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | $110,000–$130,000 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer |
| 2 | Computer Engineering | $100,000–$120,000 | Hardware Engineer, Systems Engineer |
| 3 | Electrical Engineering | $95,000–$115,000 | Electrical Engineer, Robotics Engineer |
| 4 | Aerospace Engineering | $85,000–$105,000 | Aerospace Engineer |
| 5 | Industrial Engineering | $80,000–$100,000 | Operations Analyst |
| 6 | Finance | $75,000–$95,000 | Investment Banker, Analyst |
| 7 | Data Science / Statistics | $85,000–$110,000 | Data Scientist |
| 8 | Mechanical Engineering | $80,000–$95,000 | Mechanical Engineer |
| 9 | Information Systems | $75,000–$95,000 | IT Consultant |
| 10 | Economics | $70,000–$90,000 | Economist, Data Analyst |
1. Computer Science (CS)
Average Starting Salary: $110,000–$130,000
UIUC’s Computer Science program is one of the best in the world. Graduates often secure roles at top tech companies and startups.
Why it pays well:
- High demand for software developers
- Strong recruiting pipelines
- Opportunities in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing
Top Employers: Meta, Apple
2. Computer Engineering
Average Starting Salary: $100,000–$120,000
Combining hardware and software knowledge, this major prepares students for cutting-edge tech roles.
Career Paths:
- Embedded systems engineer
- Firmware developer
- Chip designer
3. Electrical Engineering
Average Starting Salary: $95,000–$115,000
Electrical engineering graduates work in industries ranging from energy to robotics.
Why it’s valuable:
- Essential for modern infrastructure
- High demand in automation and AI hardware
4. Aerospace Engineering
Average Starting Salary: $85,000–$105,000
UIUC has a long history in aerospace innovation.
Career Opportunities:
- Aircraft design
- Space systems engineering
- Defense industry roles
Top Employers: Boeing, NASA
5. Industrial Engineering
Average Starting Salary: $80,000–$100,000
This major focuses on optimizing systems, making it highly versatile.
Popular Roles:
- Supply chain analyst
- Operations manager
- Process improvement specialist
6. Finance
Average Starting Salary: $75,000–$95,000
Offered through the Gies College of Business, finance is a top choice for high-paying careers.
Career Paths:
- Investment banking
- Private equity
- Financial consulting
7. Data Science / Statistics
Average Starting Salary: $85,000–$110,000
Data is the backbone of modern decision-making, and UIUC graduates are highly sought after.
Skills Learned:
- Data analysis
- Machine learning
- Predictive modeling
8. Mechanical Engineering
Average Starting Salary: $80,000–$95,000
A classic engineering field with strong earning potential.
Industries:
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
9. Information Systems
Average Starting Salary: $75,000–$95,000
A hybrid of business and technology, this major is increasingly valuable.
Career Options:
- IT consulting
- Systems analysis
- Business intelligence
10. Economics
Average Starting Salary: $70,000–$90,000
Economics majors benefit from strong analytical training.
Career Paths:
- Data analyst
- Policy advisor
- Financial analyst
ROI: Which UIUC Majors Pay Off the Most?
When considering return on investment (ROI), it’s not just about salary—it’s about:
- Tuition costs
- Time to graduate
- Career growth potential
ROI Comparison Table
| Major | Salary Growth Potential | Job Stability | ROI Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Very High | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Engineering Fields | High | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Data Science | Very High | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Finance | High | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Economics | Medium | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
How to Choose the Right UIUC Major
High salary doesn’t always mean the best fit. Consider:
1. Your Strengths
- Strong in math? Consider engineering or CS
- Interested in business? Finance or information systems
2. Career Goals
- Tech industry → CS, Data Science
- Corporate/finance → Finance, Economics
3. Work-Life Balance
Some high-paying jobs require long hours (e.g., investment banking).
Tips to Maximize Your Salary After Graduation
Even within the same major, outcomes vary widely. Here’s how to boost your earning potential:
- Intern Early: Gain experience before senior year
- Build Skills: Learn coding, analytics, or communication
- Network: Attend career fairs at UIUC
- Target High-Paying Industries: Tech, finance, consulting
- Consider Graduate School: Some roles pay more with advanced degrees
UIUC vs Other Universities: Salary Comparison
UIUC stands out compared to other top public schools like University of Texas at Austin and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
| University | Avg Starting Salary (Tech Majors) |
|---|---|
| UIUC | $100,000+ |
| UT Austin | $95,000+ |
| UNC Chapel Hill | $85,000+ |
Future Trends: Which Majors Will Pay More?
Looking ahead, these fields are expected to grow:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Renewable Energy Engineering
UIUC is already investing heavily in these areas, making its graduates even more competitive.
FAQ: UIUC Majors and Salaries
1. What is the highest-paying major at UIUC?
Computer Science consistently ranks as the highest-paying major, with starting salaries exceeding $120,000.
2. Are UIUC engineering majors worth it?
Yes. Engineering degrees from UIUC offer strong ROI and job stability.
3. Can non-STEM majors earn high salaries?
Yes. Finance and economics graduates can also earn competitive salaries, especially in top firms.
4. Does GPA affect salary?
Indirectly. A higher GPA can help you secure better internships and job offers.
5. Which UIUC major is best for the future?
Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering fields are among the most future-proof.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a major at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a major decision that shapes your career and financial future. While high-paying majors like Computer Science and Engineering dominate the rankings, the best choice ultimately depends on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you lost your original diploma, we can help you make UIUC diploma online!
If your priority is maximizing salary, focus on:
- High-demand technical skills
- Internships and real-world experience
- Strategic career planning
With the right approach, a UIUC degree can deliver both strong earnings and long-term career success.
