Head-to-head · 2026
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Compare average net price ($12,116 at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus; $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), ROI score (21.21 vs 14.12), ten-year median earnings ($102,772 vs $81,054), and admissions selectivity (14.1% acceptance at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus; 42.4% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) using federal College Scorecard data. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 21.21 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $12,116 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $102,772 ✓ | $81,054 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.1% ✓ | 42.4% |
| Graduation rate | 94% ✓ | 85.1% |
| Median debt | $21,672 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 18,785 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1480 ✓ | 1440 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $2,239 more per year than Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($14,355 vs $12,116). Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates report $21,718 higher median earnings after ten years ($102,772 vs $81,054). On EduGradify's model that puts Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (21.21 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is highly competitive at 14.1% acceptance versus 42.4% (selective) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Frequently asked
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.21 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $12,116 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $2,239 adds up to about $8,956 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $102,772 vs $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,718.
Which school is harder to get into?
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is more selective at 14.1% acceptance vs 42.4% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus reports a A+ value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.