Brandeis vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Brandeis is the more selective of the two (40.5% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $77K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,080 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Brandeis for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Brandeis is more selective (40.5% vs 42.4% acceptance); Brandeis has a higher median SAT (1462 vs 1440).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $77K); Brandeis has a higher 6-year graduation rate (86% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Brandeis | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1462 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 73,742 |
| International students | 34% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,080 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Brandeis. Brandeis accepts 40.5% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Brandeis or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,080 per year at Brandeis and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1462 at Brandeis and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Brandeis or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Brandeis or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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