Washington university vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 42.4% 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 ($35,124 vs $65,790 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 42.4% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1440).
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 ($35,124 vs $65,790); 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% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 73,742 |
| International students | 27% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $71K |
| 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 | $65,790 | $35,124 |
| 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 42.4%.
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 $65,790 per year at Washington university and $35,124 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 1530 at Washington university and 1440 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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