Washington University vs Illinois Urbana-Champaign - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Washington University admits 12.1% of applicants, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign admits 42.4%.
The more international environment is at Illinois Urbana-Champaign (14.9% international students) than Washington University (9.4%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Washington University awards international students $68,438 on average, Illinois Urbana-Champaign awards $5,836.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $57,284 (Illinois Urbana-Champaign), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $34,067.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 42.37% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #55). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $81K). Illinois Urbana-Champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,400 vs $69,594 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 Washington University 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
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 42.37% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1470).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $81K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 85.1%).
Illinois Urbana-Champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,400 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 42.37% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | - |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 73,742 |
| International students | 9.4% | 14.9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $81K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $55K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $38,400 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 42.37%.
Do Washington University or Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $38,400 per year at Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1470 at Illinois Urbana-Champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #55 for Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $23,217 at Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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