Iowa state vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Illinois urbana-champaign is the more selective of the two (42.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $35,124 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign 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
Illinois urbana-champaign is more selective (42.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1204).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $63K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 73,742 |
| International students | 8% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 78% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $40 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Iowa state or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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