The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Knoxville, TN — Champaign, IL

Metric
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Location Knoxville, TN Champaign, IL
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 30,418 36,258
Acceptance Rate 41.6% 42.4%
SAT Average 1,311 1,440
In-State Tuition $13,812 $16,004
Out-of-State Tuition $33,256 $35,124
Avg Net Price $18,976 $14,355
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 73.7% 85.0%
Retention Rate 91.9% 94.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,782 $64,802
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,249 $81,054
Loan Repayment Rate 696900.0% 854700.0%

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

Full Profile
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign compare?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 41.6%, in-state tuition of $13,812, and median 10-year earnings of $60,249. 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, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 $60,249. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 $18,976.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.0% vs 73.7%.

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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