University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Champaign, IL — West Lafayette, IN

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Location Champaign, IL West Lafayette, IN
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,258 44,503
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 49.9%
SAT Average 1,440 1,364
In-State Tuition $16,004 $9,992
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $28,794
Avg Net Price $14,355 $14,600
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 83.1%
Retention Rate 94.8% 92.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $60,838
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $72,424
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 887400.0%

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
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Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University-Main Campus 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. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) has an acceptance rate of 49.9%, in-state tuition of $9,992, and median 10-year earnings of $72,424.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Purdue University-Main Campus?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,054 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Purdue University-Main Campus?
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 $14,600.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.0% vs 83.1%.

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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