Texas at austin vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Texas at austin is the more selective of the two (26.6% vs 42.4% acceptance). Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #55). Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $75K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $44,908 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 Texas at austin for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Texas at austin is more selective (26.6% vs 42.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1395).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $75K); Texas at austin has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.9% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $44,908); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at austin | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 73,742 |
| International students | 9% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 75% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at austin or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Texas at austin. Texas at austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Texas at austin or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at austin vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at austin and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at austin or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at austin and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas at austin or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at austin vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas at austin or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at austin and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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