Georgia vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgia is the more selective of the two (37.7% 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 $69K). Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 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 Georgia for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
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
Georgia is more selective (37.7% vs 42.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1397).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $69K); Georgia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (89.7% vs 85.1%).
Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgia | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 38.3% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1397 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 42,436 | 73,742 |
| International students | 7% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.3% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $31,688 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,348 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 73.2% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,890 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $70 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 43,146 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgia or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Georgia. Georgia accepts 37.7% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Georgia or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $69K.
How much is tuition at Georgia vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,688 per year at Georgia and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Georgia or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1397 at Georgia and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgia or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Georgia vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgia or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $15,348 at Georgia and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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