Rochester vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #55). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($79K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $67,080 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 Rochester for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 42.4% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1440).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $79K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 73,742 |
| International students | 37% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Rochester or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $79K at Rochester and $81K at Illinois urbana-champaign.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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