Illinois urbana-champaign vs Maryland (umbc) — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 72.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #601-700). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1323).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $70K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Maryland (umbc) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 72.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.10 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 14,325 |
| International students | 25% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $60K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 85% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $31,275 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Maryland (umbc)?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Maryland (umbc)?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc).
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Maryland (umbc)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1323 at Maryland (umbc); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Maryland (umbc)?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #601-700 for Maryland (umbc).
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Maryland (umbc)?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $14,712 at Maryland (umbc).
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