University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Harvard University

Champaign, IL — Cambridge, MA

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Location Champaign, IL Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 36,258 7,601
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 3.6%
SAT Average 1,440 1,553
In-State Tuition $16,004 $61,676
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $61,676
Avg Net Price $14,355 $19,066
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 97.5%
Retention Rate 94.8% 98.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $99,572
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $101,817
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 42000.0%

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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Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Harvard 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. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, in-state tuition of $61,676, and median 10-year earnings of $101,817.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Harvard University?
Harvard University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $101,817 vs $81,054. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Harvard 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 $19,066.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 97.5% 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