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Head to head · Illinois

Illinois State University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Illinois State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeIllinois State UniversityUniversity of Illinois UrbanaDifference
Under $30k$11,568$2,038$9,530 · University of Illinois Urbana
$30–48k$12,301$5,373$6,928 · University of Illinois Urbana
$48–75k$16,348$7,982$8,366 · University of Illinois Urbana
$75–110k$23,865$15,152$8,713 · University of Illinois Urbana
Over $110k$28,224$28,761$537 · Illinois State University

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 Urbana-Champaign$63,866
Difference over four years$36,725

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% · 42%
Average SAT1113 · 1440

Listed Illinois State University first, then University of Illinois Urbana. 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 · $81,054
Graduate in four years49% · 73%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,482 · $19,500

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 Urbana-Champaign — every income band · All Illinois public colleges