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University of Illinois Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admits about 42% of applicants and University of Illinois Chicago about 77%, making University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. About 85% of students graduate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, compared with 61% at University of Illinois Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni earn a median of about $81,054, against $68,740 for University of Illinois Chicago.

University of Illinois Chicago

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
22,170
36,258
Acceptance rate
77%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1350
1310–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,974
$14,355
Full cost / yr
$27,521
$33,642
In-state tuition
$14,338
$16,004
Out-of-state tuition
$29,884
$35,124
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,529
$2,038
$30k - $48k
$8,119
$5,373
$48k - $75k
$10,921
$7,982
$75k - $110k
$16,185
$15,152
Over $110k
$25,047
$28,761
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
85%
Freshman retention
80%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,218
$64,802
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,740
$81,054
Median debt at graduation
$16,704
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
23%
First-generation students
44%
25%
International students
7%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Illinois Chicago 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 77% at University of Illinois Chicago. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 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 University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 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, University of Illinois Chicago 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 $7,529 at University of Illinois Chicago. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the larger of the two, with about 36,258 undergraduates against 22,170 at University of Illinois Chicago.
Does University of Illinois Chicago 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 61% at University of Illinois Chicago.
Do graduates of University of Illinois Chicago 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 $68,740 for University of Illinois Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Illinois 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 Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1350 at University of Illinois 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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