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University of Illinois Chicago vs Illinois College

University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. Illinois College is a private college in Jacksonville, IL. University of Illinois Chicago admits about 77% of applicants and Illinois College about 78%, making University of Illinois Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,974 a year at University of Illinois Chicago after aid, and about $18,298 at Illinois College. About 63% of students graduate at Illinois College, 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 $52,575 for Illinois College.

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Jacksonville, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
22,170
930
Acceptance rate
77%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1350
883–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,974
$18,298
Full cost / yr
$27,521
$48,955
In-state tuition
$14,338
$38,676
Out-of-state tuition
$29,884
$38,676
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,529
$12,487
$30k - $48k
$8,119
$10,910
$48k - $75k
$10,921
$12,569
$75k - $110k
$16,185
$16,826
Over $110k
$25,047
$25,788
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
63%
Freshman retention
80%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,218
$40,110
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,740
$52,575
Median debt at graduation
$16,704
$25,565
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
38%
First-generation students
44%
31%
International students
7%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 Illinois Chicago or Illinois College harder to get into?
University of Illinois Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 78% at Illinois College. 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 Illinois Chicago or Illinois College?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,298 at Illinois College. 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 Illinois Chicago and Illinois College?
Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 a year and Illinois College about $48,955. 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 Illinois Chicago or Illinois College?
University of Illinois Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,529 there, against about $12,487 at Illinois College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois College?
University of Illinois Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 22,170 undergraduates against 930 at Illinois College.
Does University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois College have a better graduation rate?
Illinois College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 61% at University of Illinois Chicago.
Do graduates of University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois College earn more?
University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,740 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,575 for Illinois College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Illinois Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Illinois College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1350 at University of Illinois Chicago and 883–1180 at Illinois College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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