Head-to-head · 2026
University of Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Compare average net price ($14,860 at University of Chicago; $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), ROI score (15.46 vs 14.12), ten-year median earnings ($91,885 vs $81,054), and admissions selectivity (4.5% acceptance at University of Chicago; 42.4% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Chicago has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Chicago 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 | University of Chicago | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.46 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $14,860 | $14,355 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $91,885 ✓ | $81,054 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% ✓ | 42.4% |
| Graduation rate | 95.9% ✓ | 85.1% |
| Median debt | $15,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 7,569 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1554 ✓ | 1440 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Chicago costs $505 more per year than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($14,860 vs $14,355). University of Chicago graduates report $10,831 higher median earnings after ten years ($91,885 vs $81,054). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Chicago ahead on projected ROI (15.46 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Chicago) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Chicago is highly competitive at 4.5% acceptance versus 42.4% (selective) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Frequently asked
University of Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
University of Chicago has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.46 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is cheaper — average net price $14,355 per year vs $14,860 at University of Chicago. The annual difference of $505 adds up to about $2,020 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Chicago reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $91,885 vs $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,831.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Chicago is more selective at 4.5% 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. University of Chicago reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.