University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Champaign, IL — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Champaign, IL San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,258 21,996
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,440
In-State Tuition $16,004 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $34,665
Avg Net Price $14,355 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 85.7%
Retention Rate 94.8% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 437700.0%

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

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
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. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $81,054. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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 $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% 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