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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs University of Illinois Chicago

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, IL, and University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. Both admit about 77% of applicants. University of Illinois Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,974 a year against $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 65% of students graduate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, compared with 61% at University of Illinois Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn a median of about $68,740, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,805
22,170
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
1130–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
25–31
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$10,974
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$27,521
In-state tuition
$56,420
$14,338
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$29,884
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$7,529
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$8,119
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$10,921
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$16,185
Over $110k
$55,790
$25,047
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
61%
Freshman retention
84%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$53,218
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$68,740
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$16,704
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
49%
First-generation students
21%
44%
International students
28%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 2
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago?
Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,529 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 22,170 undergraduates against 2,805 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago have a better graduation rate?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 61% at University of Illinois Chicago.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago or University of Illinois Chicago earn more?
University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,740 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Illinois Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and 1130–1350 at University of Illinois Chicago. 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