Head-to-head · 2026
University of Illinois Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for University of Illinois Chicago, 4 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 | University of Illinois Chicago | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.66 ✓ | 14.12 |
| Avg net price | $10,974 ✓ | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $68,740 | $81,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 77.4% | 42.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 61.6% | 85.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $16,704 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 22,170 | 36,258 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1250 | 1440 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $3,381 more per year than University of Illinois Chicago ($14,355 vs $10,974). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report $12,314 higher median earnings after ten years ($81,054 vs $68,740). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Illinois Chicago ahead on projected ROI (15.66 vs 14.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Illinois Chicago) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Illinois Chicago is accessible at 77.4% acceptance versus 42.4% (selective) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Frequently asked
University of Illinois Chicago vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Illinois Chicago or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the better value?
University of Illinois Chicago has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.66 vs 14.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper — average net price $10,974 per year vs $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual difference of $3,381 adds up to about $13,524 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $81,054 vs $68,740 at University of Illinois Chicago. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,314.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more selective at 42.4% acceptance vs 77.4% at University of Illinois Chicago.
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 Illinois Chicago reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports A.