Illinois urbana-champaign vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #151-200). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($81K vs $79K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $67,080 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 graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Rochester for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1440).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $79K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 21,384 |
| International students | 25% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Rochester graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $81K at Illinois urbana-champaign and $79K at Rochester.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Rochester?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Rochester?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $60,879 at Rochester.
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