Illinois vs UD Introduction
Choosing the right college is an important decision that can significantly impact your future. In this comparison, we will examine the University of Illinois (Illinois) and the University of Delaware (UD) to help you make an informed choice. We will compare various aspects of these schools, including costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni success, rankings, and outcomes.
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. With over 51,000 students, Illinois offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines.
Illinois Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Illinois varies depending on factors such as residency, level of study, and program. For undergraduate resident students, the estimated tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are around $16,862, while for non-residents, the cost is approximately $34,312.
Illinois Admissions
Admission to Illinois is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Prospective students must submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), transcripts, and a personal statement as part of their application. Admitted students typically have a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher and test scores within the top 20% nationally.
Illinois Degrees Offered
Illinois offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its 15 colleges and schools. It has over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, education, and liberal arts.
Illinois Academics
The University of Illinois is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, students can expect an engaging and supportive learning environment. Illinois has a four-year graduation rate of 74% and a six-year graduation rate of 86%.
Illinois Diversity
Illinois is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is made up of approximately 61% in-state students, 14% out-of-state students, and 25% international students. Additionally, 29% of the students identify as part of an underrepresented minority group.
Illinois Students
Illinois has a vibrant student life, with over 1,800 student organizations and clubs. There are opportunities for students to engage in sports, arts, cultural and academic activities, and community service. The university also offers a robust Greek life, with more than 90 fraternities and sororities.
Illinois Campus
The University of Illinois boasts a beautiful and spacious campus, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support students. The campus encompasses over 4,500 acres, including the expansive Main Quad, research facilities, libraries, residence halls, and recreational facilities.
Illinois Alumni
Illinois has a strong alumni network, with over 500,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, and entertainers, such as Marc Andreessen (co-founder of Netscape), Roger Ebert (film critic), and Dick Butkus (NFL Hall of Famer).
Illinois Rankings
The University of Illinois is consistently ranked highly in various national and international rankings. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Illinois ranks #47 in National Universities and #15 in Top Public Schools. The university also ranks highly for specific programs, such as #6 for Engineering and #17 for Business.
Illinois Outcomes
Graduates of Illinois have strong outcomes, with an average starting salary of $58,000. The university also has a 93% success rate, which includes students who are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.
UD Overview
The University of Delaware (UD) is a public research university located in Newark, Delaware. Founded in 1743, UD is the largest university in the state, with a student population of around 24,000. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its eight colleges and schools.
UD Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UD varies depending on factors such as residency and level of study. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate residents can expect to pay around $14,660 in tuition and fees, while non-residents will pay approximately $36,090.
UD Admissions
Admissions at UD are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 68%. Prospective students must submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), transcripts, and a personal statement as part of their application. Admitted students typically have a high school GPA of 3.70 or higher and test scores within the top 30% nationally.
UD Degrees Offered
UD offers over 150 undergraduate programs, 120 graduate programs, and several professional programs across its eight colleges and schools. Some popular areas of study include business, education, engineering, and health sciences.
UD Academics
The University of Delaware is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, students can expect an engaging and supportive learning environment. UD has a four-year graduation rate of 72% and a six-year graduation rate of 81%.
UD Diversity
UD is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on its campus. The university’s student population is made up of approximately 69% in-state students, 29% out-of-state students, and 2% international students. Additionally, 22% of the students identify as part of an underrepresented minority group.
UD Students
The University of Delaware offers a vibrant student life, with over 400 student organizations and clubs. There are opportunities for students to engage in sports, arts, cultural and academic activities, and community service. UD also has a strong Greek life, with more than 40 fraternities and sororities.
UD Campus
UD’s campus is known for its picturesque surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities. The 2,000-acre campus includes research facilities, libraries, residence halls, and recreational facilities, providing students with the resources they need for a well-rounded college experience.
UD Alumni
UD has a strong alumni network, with over 190,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Joe Biden (46th U.S. President), Chris Christie (former Governor of New Jersey), and Elena Delle Donne (WNBA player).
UD Rankings
The University of Delaware is consistently ranked highly in various national and international rankings. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, UD ranks #97 in National Universities and #38 in Top Public Schools. The university also ranks highly for specific programs, such as #29 for Engineering and #65 for Business.
UD Outcomes
Graduates of UD have strong outcomes, with an average starting salary of $55,000. The university also has a 92% success rate, which includes students who are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.
Illinois vs UD Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Illinois and UD, several factors must be considered, such as tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. For in-state undergraduate students, the tuition and fees at Illinois are slightly higher at $16,862 compared to $14,660 at UD. For out-of-state students, Illinois has a lower cost at $34,312 compared to UD’s $36,090. However, it’s essential to consider additional costs for housing, meal plans, and other expenses, which may vary depending on personal preferences and needs.
Illinois vs UD Admissions Difficulty
Both Illinois and UD have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 62% and 68% respectively. Though both universities require applicants to submit standardized test scores, transcripts, and personal statements, Illinois has a slightly more competitive applicant pool, with higher average test scores and GPAs. However, both institutions have similar expectations for their applicants, so prospective students should ensure they meet the minimum requirements and present a well-rounded application.
Illinois vs UD Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their strong academics and challenging programs, so students can expect a rigorous educational experience at either institution. With similar graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios, both Illinois and UD provide engaging and supportive learning environments for their students. Ultimately, the academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific program and major chosen, so prospective students should research each school’s offerings to find the best fit for their academic goals.
Illinois vs UD Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Illinois and UD have strong post-graduation outcomes, with high success rates and average starting salaries. Illinois graduates have an average starting salary of $58,000, while UD graduates have an average starting salary of $55,000. Both universities have success rates above 90%, indicating that the majority of graduates find employment, continue their education, or pursue other opportunities within six months of graduation. While outcomes may vary depending on factors such as chosen major and industry, both institutions provide a solid foundation for successful post-college careers.
