College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Champaign, IL
Total Enrollment
50,737
59,238
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
37,140
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
42.4%
Average GPA
3.87
3.83
SAT Range
1240–1420
1310–1520
ACT Range
27–32
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$50
Total Applicants
88,478
73,742
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$28,562
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$14,297
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$14,542
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$35,122
Room & Board
$15,044
$14,020
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$19,299
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
87.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
76.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$81,054
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Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $14,297 at Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $13,153 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the typical SAT range is 1310-1520. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a graduation rate of 87%. Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a ratio of 20:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $19,299.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $81,054 for Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates. Graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. Illinois Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, IL in a city: small setting.