University of California-San Diego vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
La Jolla, CA — Champaign, IL
| Metric | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Location | La Jolla, CA | Champaign, IL |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 34,948 | 36,258 |
| Acceptance Rate | 26.7% | 42.4% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,440 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,758 | $16,004 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,958 | $35,124 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,470 | $14,355 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,500 | $19,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86.8% | 85.0% |
| Retention Rate | 94.0% | 94.8% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $65,669 | $64,802 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $84,943 | $81,054 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 802100.0% | 854700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of California-San Diego and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign compare?▼
University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943. 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, University of California-San Diego or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?▼
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $81,054. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-San Diego or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 per year versus $14,355.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
University of California-San Diego has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.8% 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