Head-to-head · 2026
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College, 2 for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.32 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $6,375 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,625 | $81,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 42.4% |
| Graduation rate | 30.9% | 85.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $6,500 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 4,372 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1440 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $7,980 more per year than City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College ($14,355 vs $6,375). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report $39,429 higher median earnings after ten years ($81,054 vs $41,625). On EduGradify's model that puts City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College ahead on projected ROI (16.32 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright 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; City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.32 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College is cheaper — average net price $6,375 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $7,980 adds up to about $31,920 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $81,054 vs $41,625 at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College. The annual gap in the federal data is $39,429.
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. City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College reports a A+ value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.

