Penn vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 42.4% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #55). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,686 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 Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 42.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1440).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $81K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 73,742 |
| International students | 24% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Penn or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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