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Systems Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,785/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (57,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 11 Systems Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Systems Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $818K $787K $667K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.3x 10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.7x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,800
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Systems Engineering graduates start at $81,785/yr — above the $75,193 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Systems Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,800 in median debt clears quickly against $81,785 in annual earnings.

A #8 ranking among 11 Systems Engineering programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 44% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 11 schools offering Systems Engineering →

Systems Engineering at Other Schools

University of Virginia-Main Campus ($91,178) University of Florida ($85,698) George Mason University ($84,942) Washington University in St Louis ($83,874) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($79,942) University of Arizona ($76,660) University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($68,034) Otterbein University ($63,243)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187) Industrial Engineering ($78,313)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Systems Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Systems Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Systems Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The 56% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →