UIUC vs University of Maryland-College Park: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Maryland-College Park, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UIUC vs University of Maryland-College Park at a glance
UIUC admits 42.4% of applicants and University of Maryland-College Park 44.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,042 at UIUC and $14,296 at University of Maryland-College Park. Six-year graduation rates are 86.3% and 88.4%, 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 University of Maryland-College Park 44.8%, so UIUC is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,042 a year at UIUC and $14,296 at University of Maryland-College Park; UIUC costs $1,254 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $871 at UIUC and $1,141 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- 86.3% of students graduate within six years at UIUC, against 88.4% at University of Maryland-College Park.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $87,599 for UIUC and $89,228 for University of Maryland-College Park; University of Maryland-College Park is $1,629 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,750 at UIUC and $16,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- UIUC enrolls 36,258 students (small city) and University of Maryland-College Park 30,760 (large suburb).
Side by side
UIUC and University of Maryland-College Park 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 | University of Maryland-College Park |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 44.8% |
| Applicants | 47,593 | 50,183 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1310–1520 | 1400–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–34 | 32–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,042 | $14,296 |
| Tuition, in state | $16,354 | $12,290 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,706 | $42,053 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,226 | $29,816 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $871 | $1,141 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,983 | $5,045 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,924 | $8,768 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,952 | $16,888 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,998 | $27,461 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 86.3% | 88.4% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 96.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $87,599 | $89,228 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,750 | $16,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $202 | $182 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 36,258 | 30,760 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Champaign, IL | College Park, MD |
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 University of Maryland-College Park 90; 68 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UIUC vs University of Maryland-College Park
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UIUC or University of Maryland-College Park?
UIUC is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UIUC admits 42.4% of applicants and University of Maryland-College Park admits 44.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UIUC 1310–1520; University of Maryland-College Park 1400–1530.
Which is cheaper, UIUC or University of Maryland-College Park?
UIUC has the lower average net price after grants: $13,042 a year at UIUC against $14,296 at University of Maryland-College Park. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $871 and $1,141. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UIUC or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more at the median: $87,599 ten years after entry for UIUC and $89,228 for University of Maryland-College Park. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,750 and $16,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UIUC or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park does: 86.3% of UIUC students graduate within six years, against 88.4% at University of Maryland-College Park.
How big are UIUC and University of Maryland-College Park?
UIUC has 36,258 students in Champaign, IL and University of Maryland-College Park has 30,760 students in College Park, MD.