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