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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Illinois State University

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL, and Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the more selective of the two, admitting about 42% of applicants against 88% at Illinois State University. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,355 a year against $19,398 at Illinois State University. About 85% of students graduate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, compared with 65% at Illinois State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni earn a median of about $81,054, against $62,117 for Illinois State University.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Champaign, IL
Normal, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
36,258
19,057
Acceptance rate
42%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1520
990–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,355
$19,398
Full cost / yr
$33,642
$34,309
In-state tuition
$16,004
$16,144
Out-of-state tuition
$35,124
$28,210
Application fee
$50
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,038
$11,568
$30k - $48k
$5,373
$12,301
$48k - $75k
$7,982
$16,348
$75k - $110k
$15,152
$23,865
Over $110k
$28,761
$28,224
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
65%
Freshman retention
95%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,802
$50,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,054
$62,117
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$20,482
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
32%
First-generation students
25%
30%
International students
14%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University harder to get into?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 88% at Illinois 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, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,355 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,398 at Illinois State University. 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 Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University?
Before aid, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs about $33,642 a year and Illinois State University about $34,309. 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 Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,038 there, against about $11,568 at Illinois State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the larger of the two, with about 36,258 undergraduates against 19,057 at Illinois State University.
Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 65% at Illinois State University.
Do graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State University earn more?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,054 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,117 for Illinois State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1520 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and 990–1210 at Illinois State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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