Illinois urbana-champaign vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #62). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $72,097 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, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Southern california for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 42.4% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1440).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $81K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 82,027 |
| International students | 25% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $50 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Southern california graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Southern california?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Southern california?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $71,169 at Southern california.
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