Illinois vs UMich Introduction
Choosing the right college is a critical decision for students and their families. In this comparison, we will analyze and discuss two prominent universities: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) and University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (UMich). We will provide an in-depth look at each school’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison will help prospective students make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for their educational goals and personal preferences.
Illinois Overview
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, founded in 1867, is a public research university located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. With over 150 undergraduate programs and a strong emphasis on research, Illinois offers students a diverse and academically rigorous environment. Home to over 47,000 students, the university has a large and vibrant campus with numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and research opportunities.
Illinois Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at Illinois is $32,264. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $50,776, while international students will have an estimated cost of $53,776. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students offset the cost of attendance.
Illinois Admissions
Admission to the University of Illinois is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Prospective students must submit an online application, high school transcripts, test scores from the ACT or SAT, and a personal statement. In addition to these requirements, some degree programs may have additional criteria for admission. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 27-33 and an SAT score range of 1280-1480.
Illinois Degrees Offered
The University of Illinois offers more than 150 undergraduate programs across its 16 colleges and schools. These programs cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, agriculture, and liberal arts. Illinois is particularly well-known for its engineering, computer science, and business programs, which consistently rank among the top programs in the nation.
Illinois Academics
Academic life at Illinois is characterized by its rigorous curriculum and research opportunities. The university boasts a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention for students. Professors at Illinois are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. Undergraduates have numerous opportunities to participate in research projects and gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Illinois Diversity
Illinois prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive campus. In Fall 2020, the student body was made up of 54% male and 46% female students. Additionally, 22% of students identified as underrepresented minorities, and 16% were international students. The university offers various resources and support services to promote diversity and inclusion, including cultural centers, mentorship programs, and diversity education workshops.
Illinois Students
With over 47,000 students, Illinois has a bustling campus life. Students can choose from more than 1,600 registered student organizations, participate in intramural sports, or join one of the university’s numerous fraternities and sororities. Additionally, the university offers a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.
Illinois Campus
The Illinois campus spans over 4,550 acres and boasts a mix of classic and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research labs, and recreational centers. The university also offers a variety of on-campus housing options, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.
Illinois Alumni
Illinois has a strong alumni network, with over 475,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape; Roger Ebert, Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic; and Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy Enterprises. The university’s alumni association provides various resources and opportunities for networking and professional development.
Illinois Rankings
Illinois consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Illinois was ranked #47 nationally and #14 among public schools. The university’s engineering, computer science, and business programs are particularly well-regarded, with the College of Engineering ranking #10 and the College of Business ranking #48 in the country.
Illinois Outcomes
Illinois graduates have a strong track record of securing employment or pursuing further education after graduation. According to the university’s 2019-2020 Illini Success report, 91% of graduates found a first destination (employment, continuing education, or volunteer/service positions) within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Illinois graduates was $61,047.
UMich Overview
The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, founded in 1817, is a public research university that boasts a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Located in the vibrant city of Ann Arbor, UMich offers students a diverse and rigorous academic environment. The university enrolls over 48,000 students, making it one of the largest public universities in the United States.
UMich Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at UMich is $31,330, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $66,698, and international students will have an estimated cost of $69,848. UMich offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students offset the cost of attendance.
UMich Admissions
Admission to the University of Michigan is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 23%. Prospective students must submit an online application, high school transcripts, test scores from the ACT or SAT, and a personal statement. Some degree programs may have additional criteria for admission. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 31-34 and an SAT score range of 1340-1530.
UMich Degrees Offered
UMich offers more than 275 undergraduate programs across its 19 colleges and schools. These programs cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, fine arts, and liberal arts. UMich is particularly well-known for its engineering, business, and public policy programs, which consistently rank among the top in the nation.
UMich Academics
Academic life at UMich is characterized by its rigorous curriculum and commitment to research. The university boasts a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention for students. Professors at UMich are not only experts in their fields but are also dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. Undergraduates have numerous opportunities to participate in research projects and gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
UMich Diversity
UMich is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. In Fall 2020, the student body was made up of 51% male and 49% female students. Additionally, 29% of students identified as underrepresented minorities, and 15% were international students. The university offers various resources and support services to promote diversity and inclusion, including cultural centers, mentorship programs, and academic support services.
UMich Students
With over 48,000 students, UMich has a vibrant campus life. Students can choose from more than 1,600 registered student organizations, participate in intramural sports, or join one of the university’s numerous fraternities and sororities. Additionally, the university offers a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.
UMich Campus
The University of Michigan’s campus spans over 3,200 acres and is characterized by its blend of historic and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research labs, and recreational centers. The university also offers a variety of on-campus housing options, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.
UMich Alumni
UMich has a strong alumni network, with over 575,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Tom Brady, NFL quarterback; Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States; and Larry Page, co-founder of Google. The university’s alumni association provides various resources and opportunities for networking and professional development.
UMich Rankings
UMich consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UMich was ranked #24 nationally and #3 among public schools. The university’s engineering, business, and public policy programs are particularly well-regarded, with the College of Engineering ranking #4, the Ross School of Business ranking #12, and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy ranking #1 in the country.
UMich Outcomes
UMich graduates have a strong track record of securing employment or pursuing further education after graduation. According to the university’s 2019-2020 First Destination report, 93% of graduates found a first destination (employment, continuing education, or volunteer/service positions) within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UMich graduates was $61,120.
Illinois vs UMich Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance at Illinois and UMich, it is essential to consider the differences in tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students. For in-state students, the estimated cost of attendance at Illinois is $32,264, while at UMich, it is $31,330. For out-of-state students, the cost at Illinois is $50,776, while at UMich, it is $66,698.
While both schools offer financial aid to help offset the cost of attendance, the overall cost difference may be a deciding factor for some students. While UMich has a higher cost of attendance for out-of-state students, its stronger national ranking and reputation may be worth the investment for some students.
Illinois vs UMich Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Illinois and UMich are competitive. However, UMich is considerably more selective, with an acceptance rate of 23%, compared to Illinois’ 62% acceptance rate. The middle 50% ACT and SAT score ranges for admitted students are also higher at UMich than at Illinois. Prospective students should keep these factors in mind when considering their chances of admission at each university.
Illinois vs UMich Academic Difficulty
Both Illinois and UMich are well-regarded for their rigorous academic programs and commitment to research. While UMich has a slightly higher national ranking and is more selective in its admissions, both schools offer a challenging academic environment where students can thrive. Ultimately, the academic difficulty may vary by individual degree programs or majors, so students should consider their specific academic interests and goals when comparing the schools.
Illinois vs UMich Outcome Comparison
Although both universities have strong post-graduation outcomes for their students, UMich has a slightly higher rate of graduates finding employment or continuing education within six months of graduation (93% vs. 91% at Illinois). The average starting salary for UMich graduates is also slightly higher at $61,120 compared to $61,047 at Illinois.
While these differences may be small, they could still be a deciding factor for some students when choosing between the two universities. Ultimately, students should consider their specific career goals and the resources and opportunities available at each school to make the best decision for their future.
