Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1323).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $70K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 73,742 |
| International students | 17% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 47% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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