Illinois urbana-champaign vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 90.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #801-900). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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 Old dominion for: lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Illinois urbana-champaign is more selective (42.4% vs 90.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1197).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $55K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $35,124); Old dominion offers a larger average aid package ($30,437 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 15,100 |
| International students | 25% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 77% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Old dominion?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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