Southern california vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #55). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 42.4% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1440).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $81K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 73,742 |
| International students | 27% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $85 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Southern california or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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