Side-by-side comparison of tuition, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, graduation rate, student debt and more. Data automatically aggregated from public sources — errors may occur. Always verify with institutions.
| Metric | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $81,054 | $91,885 ✓ |
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $64,802 | $80,870 ✓ |
| Median Earnings (8yr) | $74,029 | $87,164 ✓ |
| % Earning >$25k (6yr) | 79.9% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Graduation Rate | 85.1% | 95.9% ✓ |
| Retention Rate | 94.8% | 99.3% ✓ |
| Acceptance Rate | 42.4% | 4.5% |
| SAT Average | 1,440 | 1,554 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,004 ✓ | $70,662 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,124 ✓ | $70,662 |
| Avg Net Price (after aid) | $14,355 ✓ | $14,860 |
| Median Student Debt | $19,500 | $15,000 ✓ |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 23.4% | 15.3% |
| First-Gen Students | 24.9% | 20.2% |
| Total Students | 36,258 | 7,569 |
| Avg Faculty Salary | $14,464 | $19,806 ✓ |
| Spend per Student | $14,929 | $96,069 ✓ |
| Endowment | $2.6B | $9.1B |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a Public located in Champaign, Illinois. It enrolls approximately 36,258 students with a graduation rate of 85.1%. Graduates earn a median salary of $81,054 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 42.4%.
University of Chicago is a Private Nonprofit located in Chicago, Illinois. It enrolls approximately 7,569 students with a graduation rate of 95.9%. Graduates earn a median salary of $91,885 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 4.5%.
🎓 This comparison reflects publicly available data points only and may contain errors. Choosing a university involves many personal factors no dataset can capture. We strongly encourage you to visit both campuses in person, speak with current students and recent alumni, consult qualified academic advisors and financial aid officers, and seek independent professional advice before making any enrollment or financial decision.
Based on available data, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42.4% while University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4.5%. University of Chicago is slightly more selective based on this metric alone. Acceptance rates vary by program, year, and applicant profile. Always verify directly with each institution.
According to available data, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn a median salary of $81,054 ten years after starting college, while University of Chicago graduates earn $91,885. Earnings vary significantly by major, career path, and individual circumstances. These are median estimates from public sources and may contain errors.
After financial aid, the average net price at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $14,355 per year compared to $14,860 at University of Chicago. Net price varies significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility. These are averages — your actual cost may differ substantially. Contact each university's financial aid office for personalized estimates.
Using a simplified ROI estimate (10yr median earnings ÷ estimated 4-year cost), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows approximately 141% and University of Chicago shows approximately 155%. This is a rough calculation that may contain errors — we make mistakes. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
Data comparisons capture only a fraction of what makes a university the right fit. Critical factors not reflected here include campus culture, social life, research opportunities, internship networks, geographic location, specific program quality within departments, faculty mentorship, alumni connections, mental health resources, campus safety, and your personal career goals. We strongly encourage campus visits, conversations with current students, and consultation with academic and financial advisors.