Mathematics and Computer Scienceat University of Illinois Chicago
Graduates earn $44,143/yr in their first year — about 52.0% below the national Mathematics and Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $924K; scenarios range from $721K to $971K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Illinois Chicago
The Mathematics and Computer Science program at UIC offers a unique blend, positioning you for a broad array of roles, especially within Chicago's diverse economy. While it doesn't always lead to the highest-paying pure software engineering roles that often drive national averages for computer science degrees, its strength lies in preparing you for quantitative analysis, data science, and technical management within various sectors like finance, consulting, or local government. You'll find graduates contributing to research institutions, mid-sized tech companies, and even startups across the city.
Given the inherent AI risk in many computational and analytical tasks, your core advantage will be developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that transcend mere coding. Focus on practical applications through internships and projects that align with your career aspirations. Building a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to integrate mathematical rigor with computational solutions will be crucial for standing out.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Illinois Chicago's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Mathematics and Computer Science
How University of Illinois Chicago stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Illinois Chicago
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Illinois Chicago, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Mathematics and Computer Science at University of Illinois Chicago
What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics and Computer Science at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mathematics and Computer Science at University of Illinois Chicago?
The 67% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Illinois Chicago a good choice for Mathematics and Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Chicago's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.