College Comparison
Purdue 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
West Lafayette, IN
Champaign, IL
Total Enrollment
58,658
59,238
Undergrad Enrollment
44,819
37,140
Student-Faculty Ratio
14:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
42.4%
Average GPA
3.90
3.83
SAT Range
1200–1480
1310–1520
ACT Range
27–34
30–34
Test Policy
Required
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$50
Total Applicants
78,745
73,742
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$22,533
$28,562
Avg Net Price
$12,421
$14,297
Tuition (In-State)
$9,718
$14,542
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,520
$35,122
Room & Board
$12,815
$14,020
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,294
$19,299
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
87.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
58.0%
76.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$81,054
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Explore by Location
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Purdue University-Main Campus is $12,421 per year, compared to $14,297 at Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Purdue University-Main Campus is $1,876 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Purdue University-Main Campus typically score between 1200-1480 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.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a graduation rate of 87%. Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a ratio of 20:1. Purdue University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Purdue University-Main Campus, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,294. At Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $19,299.
The median earnings for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $72,424, 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.
Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN in a city: small setting. Illinois Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, IL in a city: small setting.

