Illinois urbana-champaign vs Harvard — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 42.4% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #1). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $61,676 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: lower tuition.
Choose Harvard 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
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 42.4% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1440).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $61,676); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 54,008 |
| International students | 25% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $139K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $61,676 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | $50 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.6%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Harvard graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $61,676 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Harvard?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $74,387 at Harvard.
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