In this comparison, we will analyze two prominent educational institutions: [Illinois] and [Central Michigan University]. We will discuss various aspects of each school, such as cost and tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By evaluating both schools in these areas, we aim to help prospective students make informed decisions about their higher education choices.
Illinois Overview
The University of Illinois is a public research university located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. Founded in 1867, it is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system. The university offers over 150 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate programs across 17 colleges and schools. It is well known for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs.
Illinois Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Illinois is approximately $31,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $49,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with the majority of aid coming in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships.
Illinois Admissions
Admission to the University of Illinois is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 62%. The middle 50% of admitted students have a GPA of 3.46-4.0, and an SAT score between 1320 and 1480. The application deadline for the fall semester is January 5th, and students are encouraged to apply early.
Illinois Degrees Offered
The University of Illinois offers a wide range of degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, business, agriculture, and education. The university also offers online programs and continuing education opportunities for working professionals and non-traditional students.
Illinois Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, the University of Illinois provides a supportive academic environment for its students. The university is known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on research, with more than 80 research centers and institutes on campus. Students have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, as well as opportunities to participate in research projects and internships.
Illinois Diversity
The University of Illinois has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, and offers several resources and programs to support the needs of all students.
Illinois Students
The University of Illinois has a total enrollment of over 47,000 students, including approximately 32,000 undergraduates and 15,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including more than 1,600 student organizations, Greek life, and numerous recreational and athletic opportunities.
Illinois Campus
The University of Illinois campus spans 4,550 acres and features a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The campus is home to several iconic buildings, including the Illini Union, the Main Library, and the State Farm Center. Additionally, the university boasts numerous green spaces, including the Arboretum and the Japan House.
Illinois Alumni
Notable alumni of the University of Illinois include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Roger Ebert, YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, and former NFL coach Tony Dungy. The university’s alumni network provides resources and support for graduates as they embark on their professional careers.
Illinois Rankings
The University of Illinois is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Illinois is ranked #48 in National Universities and #16 in Top Public Schools.
Illinois Outcomes
Graduates of the University of Illinois have a strong track record of success, with a 91% graduation rate and a median starting salary of $61,200. The university’s robust career services department assists students in finding internships and job opportunities, and the strong alumni network provides additional support for graduates entering the workforce.
Central Michigan University Overview
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public university founded in 1892 and located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. With an enrollment of over 19,000 students, CMU offers more than 200 academic programs across seven colleges. The university is known for its programs in education, health, and business.
Central Michigan University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at CMU is approximately $25,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $37,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships.
Central Michigan University Admissions
Admission to Central Michigan University is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The middle 50% of admitted students have a GPA of 3.3-3.9 and an SAT score between 1060 and 1240. The application deadline for the fall semester is February 15th, but students are encouraged to apply early.
Central Michigan University Degrees Offered
Central Michigan University offers a wide range of degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Some of the most popular majors include education, health professions, and business. CMU also offers online programs and continuing education opportunities for working professionals and non-traditional students.
Central Michigan University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, CMU provides a supportive academic environment for its students. The university places a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, with numerous research opportunities and internships available to students.
Central Michigan University Diversity
Central Michigan University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 60 countries. The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion offers resources and programming to support the needs of all students.
Central Michigan University Students
Central Michigan University has a total enrollment of over 19,000 students, including approximately 16,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 400 student organizations, Greek life, and numerous recreational and athletic opportunities.
Central Michigan University Campus
The CMU campus encompasses over 870 acres and features a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The campus is home to several notable buildings, including the Charles V. Park Library, the Bovee University Center, and Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The university also offers numerous green spaces and recreational areas for students to enjoy.
Central Michigan University Alumni
Notable alumni of Central Michigan University include actor Terry O’Quinn, former NBA player Dan Majerle, and author David Maraniss. CMU’s alumni network provides resources and support to help graduates succeed in their professional careers.
Central Michigan University Rankings
Central Michigan University is ranked #249 in National Universities and #122 in Top Public Schools by the U.S. News & World Report in their 2021 rankings.
Central Michigan University Outcome
Graduates of CMU have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 62% and a median starting salary of $41,300. The university’s career services department assists students in finding internships and job opportunities, and the alumni network provides additional support for graduates entering the workforce.
Illinois] vs [Central Michigan University] Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance, the University of Illinois is more expensive for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state students can expect to pay around $31,000 per year at Illinois, compared to $25,000 at CMU. Out-of-state students will pay approximately $49,000 per year at Illinois and $37,000 at CMU. Both universities offer financial aid packages to help reduce the overall cost of attendance.
[Illinois vs Central Michigan University Admissions Difficulty
Admission to the University of Illinois is more competitive than Central Michigan University, with an acceptance rate of 62% at Illinois and 70% at CMU. The middle 50% of admitted students at Illinois have a GPA of 3.46-4.0 and an SAT score of 1320-1480, compared to a GPA of 3.3-3.9 and an SAT score of 1060-1240 at CMU. While both universities have relatively competitive admissions, Illinois is more selective in its admissions process.
Illinois vs Central Michigan University Academic Difficulty
The University of Illinois is generally considered more academically rigorous than Central Michigan University. Illinois is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs, while CMU is known for its programs in education, health, and business. Both universities emphasize research and experiential learning opportunities, but Illinois has a more extensive research infrastructure and a larger variety of academic programs.
Illinois vs Central Michigan University Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both the University of Illinois and Central Michigan University have strong outcomes, but Illinois graduates typically have higher starting salaries and graduation rates. The graduation rate at Illinois is 91%, compared to 62% at CMU. The median starting salary for Illinois graduates is $61,200, while CMU graduates earn a median starting salary of $41,300. Although both universities provide strong support for graduates entering the workforce, the University of Illinois appears to offer slightly better overall outcomes for its students.
