Rensselaer polytechnic institute 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 63.5% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #55). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,081 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, a larger aid package.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Illinois urbana-champaign is more selective (42.4% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1440).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $81K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 83.6%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 73,742 |
| International students | 19% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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