Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Xavier University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Saint Xavier University, 5 for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 | Saint Xavier University | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.37 | 14.12 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,970 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,656 | $81,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 84.3% | 42.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 56.6% | 85.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,223 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,096 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1440 |
| Wins | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $3,385 more per year than Saint Xavier University ($14,355 vs $10,970). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report $22,398 higher median earnings after ten years ($81,054 vs $58,656). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ahead on projected ROI (14.12 vs 13.37, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Xavier University is accessible at 84.3% acceptance versus 42.4% (selective) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Frequently asked
Saint Xavier University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Xavier University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.12 vs 13.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Xavier University is cheaper — average net price $10,970 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $3,385 adds up to about $13,540 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $81,054 vs $58,656 at Saint Xavier University. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,398.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more selective at 42.4% acceptance vs 84.3% at Saint Xavier University.
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. Saint Xavier University reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.

