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University of Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign about 42%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,355 a year at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after aid, and about $14,860 at University of Chicago. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 85% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $81,054 for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,569
36,258
Acceptance rate
4%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1310–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$14,355
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$33,642
In-state tuition
$70,662
$16,004
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$35,124
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$2,038
$30k - $48k
$914
$5,373
$48k - $75k
$226
$7,982
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$15,152
Over $110k
$48,524
$28,761
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
85%
Freshman retention
99%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$64,802
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$81,054
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
23%
First-generation students
20%
25%
International students
18%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 42% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,355 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,860 at University 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 University of Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Before aid, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs about $33,642 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. 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, University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $2,038 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the larger of the two, with about 36,258 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 85% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $81,054 for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago 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