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Head to head · Illinois

Illinois State University vs University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago costs less than Illinois State University at every income band federal data covers — between $3,177 and $7,680 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeIllinois State UniversityUniversity of Illinois ChicagoDifference
Under $30k$11,568$7,529$4,039 · University of Illinois Chicago
$30–48k$12,301$8,119$4,182 · University of Illinois Chicago
$48–75k$16,348$10,921$5,427 · University of Illinois Chicago
$75–110k$23,865$16,185$7,680 · University of Illinois Chicago
Over $110k$28,224$25,047$3,177 · University of Illinois Chicago

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Illinois State University$100,591
University of Illinois Chicago$68,220
Difference over four years$32,371

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate88% · 77%
Average SAT1113 · 1250

Listed Illinois State University first, then University of Illinois Chicago. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$62,117 · $68,740
Graduate in four years49% · 42%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,482 · $16,704

Again Illinois State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Illinois State University — every income band · University of Illinois Chicago — every income band · All Illinois public colleges