Head-to-head · 2026
Carl Sandburg College vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Compare average net price ($3,662 at Carl Sandburg College; $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), ROI score (24.08 vs 14.12), ten-year median earnings ($35,274 vs $81,054), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Carl Sandburg College; 42.4% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) using federal College Scorecard data. Carl Sandburg College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Carl Sandburg College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Carl Sandburg College | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 24.08 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $3,662 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,274 | $81,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 42.4% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 85.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $4,909 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,051 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1440 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $10,693 more per year than Carl Sandburg College ($14,355 vs $3,662). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report $45,780 higher median earnings after ten years ($81,054 vs $35,274). On EduGradify's model that puts Carl Sandburg College ahead on projected ROI (24.08 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Carl Sandburg College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports 42.4% acceptance; Carl Sandburg College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Carl Sandburg College vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Carl Sandburg College or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
Carl Sandburg College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (24.08 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Carl Sandburg College is cheaper — average net price $3,662 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $10,693 adds up to about $42,772 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $81,054 vs $35,274 at Carl Sandburg College. The annual gap in the federal data is $45,780.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Carl Sandburg College reports a A+ value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.