Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Troy, NY — Champaign, IL

Metric
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Location Troy, NY Champaign, IL
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,714 36,258
Acceptance Rate 63.5% 42.4%
SAT Average 1,456 1,440
In-State Tuition $64,081 $16,004
Out-of-State Tuition $64,081 $35,124
Avg Net Price $36,228 $14,355
Median Debt at Graduation $23,750 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.4% 85.0%
Retention Rate 90.7% 94.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $83,054 $64,802
Median Earnings (10 yr) $102,051 $81,054
Loan Repayment Rate 189900.0% 854700.0%

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

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign compare?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) has an acceptance rate of 63.5%, in-state tuition of $64,081, and median 10-year earnings of $102,051. 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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,051 vs $81,054. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 $36,228.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.0% vs 83.4%.

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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