Illinois urbana-champaign vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 42.4% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #23). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,790 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 Washington university 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
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 42.4% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1440).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $81K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 32,754 |
| International students | 25% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 95% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Washington university graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Washington university?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $75,604 at Washington university.
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