Illinois urbana-champaign vs Massachusetts institute of technology — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Massachusetts institute of technology is the more selective of the two (4.5% vs 42.4% acceptance). Massachusetts institute of technology ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #3). Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $62,396 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, lower graduate debt.
Choose Massachusetts institute of technology 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
Massachusetts institute of technology is more selective (4.5% vs 42.4% acceptance); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher median SAT (1560 vs 1440).
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $81K); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.4% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $62,396); Massachusetts institute of technology offers a larger average aid package ($68,358 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Massachusetts institute of technology |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #3 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #2 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 4.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 86.1% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1560 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 28,232 |
| International students | 25% | 33% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $143K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $154K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $243K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 96.4% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 99% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,768 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $62,396 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $68,358 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $29,488 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 11,886 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Massachusetts institute of technology?
It's harder to get into Massachusetts institute of technology. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Massachusetts institute of technology accepts 4.5%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $143K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Massachusetts institute of technology?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $62,396 per year at Massachusetts institute of technology.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1560 at Massachusetts institute of technology; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Massachusetts institute of technology?
Massachusetts institute of technology ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #3 for Massachusetts institute of technology.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $68,358 at Massachusetts institute of technology.
Harvard
Stanford
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina