Emory vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #55). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($80K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,280 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 Emory for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 42.4% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1440).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $80K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 73,742 |
| International students | 19% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Emory or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $80K at Emory and $81K at Illinois urbana-champaign.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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