Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University Park, PA — Champaign, IL

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Location University Park, PA Champaign, IL
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 36,258
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 42.4%
SAT Average 1,337 1,440
In-State Tuition $20,644 $16,004
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $35,124
Avg Net Price $32,875 $14,355
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 85.0%
Retention Rate 92.6% 94.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $64,802
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $81,054
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 854700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) has an acceptance rate of 42.4%, in-state tuition of $16,004, and median 10-year earnings of $81,054.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,054 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the more affordable option at $14,355 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 85.0%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025