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Chicago State University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the more selective of the two, admitting about 42% of applicants against 43% at Chicago State University. Chicago State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,335 a year against $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. About 85% of students graduate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni earn a median of about $81,054, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

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Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,384
36,258
Acceptance rate
43%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
1310–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$14,355
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$33,642
In-state tuition
$12,754
$16,004
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$35,124
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$2,038
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$5,373
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$7,982
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$15,152
Over $110k
$28,427
$28,761
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
85%
Freshman retention
57%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$64,802
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$81,054
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
23%
First-generation students
42%
25%
International students
3%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 5

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign harder to get into?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 43% at Chicago State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign about $33,642. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,038 there, against about $9,073 at Chicago State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the larger of the two, with about 36,258 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have a better graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn more?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,054 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1310–1520 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school