Illinois urbana-champaign vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 42.4% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,910 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 Stanford 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
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 42.4% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1440).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $81K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 60,646 |
| International students | 25% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 97% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $50 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Stanford?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $75,816 at Stanford.
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