Illinois urbana-champaign vs Brandeis — 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 (#55 vs #301-400). 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Brandeis for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
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 | Illinois urbana-champaign | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 10,462 |
| International students | 25% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 87% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $50 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Brandeis. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Brandeis?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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