Deciding between two schools can be an overwhelming task, especially when both institutions offer exceptional academic programs, campus life, and student experiences. This comparison guide between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University-West Lafayette aims to help you make an informed decision on which institution is best suited for your needs. We will explore various factors such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes for both schools.
University of Illinois Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in Illinois. Established in 1867, it is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs across 15 colleges. Illinois is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs, as well as its commitment to research and innovation.
University of Illinois Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are $16,862, while out-of-state students pay $34,312. Room and board expenses are estimated at $12,258. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students cover the cost of attendance.
University of Illinois Admissions
Admission to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Prospective students must submit their application through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the university’s own application system, along with the required documents, including high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and ACT or SAT scores (though test-optional for the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycle). The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays.
University of Illinois Degrees Offered
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a wide range of degrees across its 15 colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gies College of Business, Grainger College of Engineering, and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Students can choose from over 150 undergraduate programs and 100 graduate programs in various disciplines such as engineering, business, agriculture, social sciences, and humanities.
University of Illinois Academics
Academic life at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is rigorous and research-focused, with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The university is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. It is also renowned for its cutting-edge research facilities and extensive resources that foster innovation and discovery.
University of Illinois Diversity
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student body is comprised of individuals from all 50 states and over 100 countries, with approximately 25% of students identifying as underrepresented minorities. The university offers various programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion, such as cultural centers, affinity groups, and scholarships for underrepresented students.
University of Illinois Students
Illinois has a total student population of over 51,000, with approximately 33,000 undergraduate and 18,000 graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities to engage in. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class library system, research centers, and athletic facilities.
University of Illinois Campus
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus spans over 4,500 acres, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, expansive green spaces, and multiple cultural centers. The campus is divided into multiple “quads,” each with its own unique character and amenities. The Main Quad serves as the heart of the campus, housing the iconic Alma Mater statue, Foellinger Auditorium, and the Illini Union.
University of Illinois Alumni
Illinois boasts a vast network of over 470,000 living alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to their fields. Notable alumni include various Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, and CEOs of major corporations. The University of Illinois Alumni Association offers resources and support to help alumni stay connected and engaged with their alma mater.
University of Illinois Rankings
Illinois consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university is ranked #15 among public universities and #47 overall in the 2021 National Universities Rankings. The Grainger College of Engineering is ranked #10 nationally, while the Gies College of Business is ranked #48.
University of Illinois Outcomes
Graduates from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign enjoy a high level of success in their careers, with a reported 93% placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a University of Illinois graduate is around $62,000, with higher salaries reported for those in specialized fields such as engineering and computer science.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Overview
Purdue University-West Lafayette is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869, Purdue is the flagship institution of the Purdue University system and offers more than 200 undergraduate and 70 graduate programs across 10 colleges. Purdue is internationally renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs, as well as its commitment to research and innovation.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Costs & Tuition
The estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at Purdue University-West Lafayette for the 2021-2022 academic year are $9,992, while out-of-state students pay $28,794. Room and board expenses are estimated at $10,030. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students cover the cost of attendance.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Admissions
Admission to Purdue University-West Lafayette is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 60%. Prospective students must submit their application through the Common Application or the university’s own application system, along with the required documents, including high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores (though test-optional for the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycle). The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Degrees Offered
Purdue University-West Lafayette offers a wide range of degrees across its 10 colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts, Krannert School of Management, College of Engineering, and the College of Agriculture. Students can choose from over 200 undergraduate programs and 70 graduate programs in various disciplines such as engineering, business, agriculture, social sciences, and humanities.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Academics
Academic life at Purdue University-West Lafayette is rigorous and research-focused, with a student-faculty ratio of 13:1. The university is known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. It is also renowned for its cutting-edge research facilities and extensive resources that foster innovation and discovery.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Diversity
Purdue University-West Lafayette is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student body is comprised of individuals from all 50 states and over 130 countries, with approximately 20% of students identifying as underrepresented minorities. The university offers various programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion, such as cultural centers, affinity groups, and scholarships for underrepresented students.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Students
Purdue has a total student population of over 45,000, with approximately 34,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities to engage in. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class library system, research centers, and athletic facilities.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Campus
The Purdue University-West Lafayette campus spans over 2,400 acres, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, expansive green spaces, and multiple cultural centers. The campus is divided into multiple “quads,” each with its own unique character and amenities. The Memorial Mall serves as the heart of the campus, housing the Purdue Bell Tower, Purdue Memorial Union, and the Krannert School of Management.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Alumni
Purdue boasts a vast network of over 450,000 living alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to their fields. Notable alumni include various Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, and CEOs of major corporations. The Purdue University Alumni Association offers resources and support to help alumni stay connected and engaged with their alma mater.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Rankings
Purdue consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university is ranked #17 among public universities and #53 overall in the 2021 National Universities Rankings. The College of Engineering is ranked #9 nationally, while the Krannert School of Management is ranked #57.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Outcomes
Graduates from Purdue University-West Lafayette enjoy a high level of success in their careers, with a reported 93% placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a Purdue graduate is around $60,000, with higher salaries reported for those in specialized fields such as engineering and computer science.
University of Illinois vs Purdue University-West Lafayette Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
