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