UIUC vs Purdue University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UIUC vs Purdue University at a glance
UIUC admits 42.4% of applicants and Purdue University 49.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,042 at UIUC and $14,851 at Purdue University. Six-year graduation rates are 86.3% and 84%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UIUC admits 42.4% of applicants and Purdue University 49.9%, so UIUC is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,042 a year at UIUC and $14,851 at Purdue University; UIUC costs $1,809 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $871 at UIUC and $6,147 at Purdue University.
- 86.3% of students graduate within six years at UIUC, against 84% at Purdue University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $87,599 for UIUC and $80,082 for Purdue University; UIUC is $7,517 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,750 at UIUC and $18,750 at Purdue University.
- UIUC enrolls 36,258 students (small city) and Purdue University 44,503 (small city).
Side by side
UIUC and Purdue University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UIUC | Purdue University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 49.9% |
| Applicants | 47,593 | 59,436 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1310–1520 | 1200–1480 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–34 | 27–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,042 | $14,851 |
| Tuition, in state | $16,354 | $9,992 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,706 | $28,794 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,226 | $25,610 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $871 | $6,147 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,983 | $5,618 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,924 | $9,056 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,952 | $15,253 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,998 | $23,490 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 86.3% | 84% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 92.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $87,599 | $80,082 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,750 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $202 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 36,258 | 44,503 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Small |
| Location | Champaign, IL | West Lafayette, IN |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UIUC reports 102 bachelor's programs and Purdue University 113; 75 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UIUC vs Purdue University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UIUC or Purdue University?
UIUC is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UIUC admits 42.4% of applicants and Purdue University admits 49.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UIUC 1310–1520; Purdue University 1200–1480.
Which is cheaper, UIUC or Purdue University?
UIUC has the lower average net price after grants: $13,042 a year at UIUC against $14,851 at Purdue University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $871 and $6,147. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UIUC or Purdue University graduates earn more?
UIUC graduates earn more at the median: $87,599 ten years after entry for UIUC and $80,082 for Purdue University. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,750 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UIUC or Purdue University?
UIUC does: 86.3% of UIUC students graduate within six years, against 84% at Purdue University.
How big are UIUC and Purdue University?
UIUC has 36,258 students in Champaign, IL and Purdue University has 44,503 students in West Lafayette, IN.