Illinois urbana-champaign vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 63.5% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,081 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, 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 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1440).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 83.6%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 15,819 |
| International students | 25% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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