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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Northwestern University

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL, and Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 42% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,355 a year against $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 85% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $81,054 for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Champaign, IL
Evanston, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
36,258
9,201
Acceptance rate
42%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1520
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,355
$29,167
Full cost / yr
$33,642
$91,250
In-state tuition
$16,004
$68,322
Out-of-state tuition
$35,124
$68,322
Application fee
$50
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,038
$1,764
$30k - $48k
$5,373
$6,099
$48k - $75k
$7,982
$7,898
$75k - $110k
$15,152
$18,282
Over $110k
$28,761
$48,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
96%
Freshman retention
95%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,802
$76,844
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,054
$89,363
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
19%
First-generation students
25%
15%
International students
14%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 4

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 Northwestern University harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Northwestern University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,355 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,167 at Northwestern 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 Northwestern University?
Before aid, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs about $33,642 a year and Northwestern University about $91,250. 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 Northwestern University?
Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Northwestern University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the larger of the two, with about 36,258 undergraduates against 9,201 at Northwestern University.
Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 85% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Do graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Northwestern University earn more?
Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern 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. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1520 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and 1510–1570 at Northwestern 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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