University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Iowa State University
Champaign, IL — Ames, IA
| Metric | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL | Iowa State University Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Champaign, IL | Ames, IA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 36,258 | 25,367 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42.4% | 88.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,440 | 1,204 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,004 | $10,787 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,124 | $28,881 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,355 | $18,589 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 | $22,869 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.0% | 75.4% |
| Retention Rate | 94.8% | 87.6% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $64,802 | $53,873 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054 | $63,386 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 854700.0% | 923200.0% |
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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Iowa State University
Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Iowa State 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. Iowa State University (Ames, IA) has an acceptance rate of 88.7%, in-state tuition of $10,787, and median 10-year earnings of $63,386.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Iowa State University?▼
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,054 vs $63,386. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Iowa State 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 $18,589.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.0% vs 75.4%.
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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