Illinois urbana-champaign vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 42.4% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,686 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 Penn 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
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 42.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1440).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $81K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 65,236 |
| International students | 25% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Penn?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $70,971 at Penn.
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