Head-to-head · 2026
College of DuPage vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Compare average net price ($7,401 at College of DuPage; $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), ROI score (15.85 vs 14.12), ten-year median earnings ($46,909 vs $81,054), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of DuPage; 42.4% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) using federal College Scorecard data. College of DuPage has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of DuPage 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 | College of DuPage | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.85 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $7,401 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,909 | $81,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 42.4% |
| Graduation rate | 25.2% | 85.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,410 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 16,114 | 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 $6,954 more per year than College of DuPage ($14,355 vs $7,401). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report $34,145 higher median earnings after ten years ($81,054 vs $46,909). On EduGradify's model that puts College of DuPage ahead on projected ROI (15.85 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of DuPage) 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; College of DuPage does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of DuPage vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of DuPage or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
College of DuPage has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.85 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of DuPage is cheaper — average net price $7,401 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $6,954 adds up to about $27,816 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $81,054 vs $46,909 at College of DuPage. The annual gap in the federal data is $34,145.
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. College of DuPage reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.