University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Cornell University

Champaign, IL — Ithaca, NY

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Location Champaign, IL Ithaca, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 36,258 15,995
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 8.8%
SAT Average 1,440 1,535
In-State Tuition $16,004 $69,314
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $69,314
Avg Net Price $14,355 $28,690
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 95.3%
Retention Rate 94.8% 98.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $87,830
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $104,043
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 313700.0%

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

Full Profile
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Cornell University 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. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, in-state tuition of $69,314, and median 10-year earnings of $104,043.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Cornell University?
Cornell University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $104,043 vs $81,054. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Cornell University?
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 $28,690.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.3% vs 85.0%.

More Comparisons

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