Houston vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 73.9% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Illinois urbana-champaign is more selective (42.4% vs 73.9% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1250).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $62K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 73,742 |
| International students | 16% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Houston or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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