Illinois urbana-champaign vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 81.7% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #501-600). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Illinois urbana-champaign is more selective (42.4% vs 81.7% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1151).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $57K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 15,432 |
| International students | 25% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $50 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Kansas state?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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