Central florida vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $35,124 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 Central florida for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Central florida is more selective (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1269).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $58K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 73,742 |
| International students | 5% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 65% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $30 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Central florida or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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