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Purdue University vs University of Illinois

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

University of Illinois

Champaign, IL

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Purdue University	University of Illinois	Edge
Acceptance Rate	50.3%	43.7%	Purdue University (easier)
Average SAT	1325	1390	University of Illinois
Enrollment	56,210	62,417	University of Illinois larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$72,424	$81,054	University of Illinois
Median Debt	$19,500	$19,500	Same
Pell Grant Rate	13.0%	24.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Purdue University

University of Illinois

Top majors

Purdue University

Engineering 26.1%

Computer Science 11.7%

Business/Marketing 11.4%

Engineering Technology 7.5%

Biological Sciences 6.8%

University of Illinois

Engineering 19.8%

Business/Marketing 13.4%

Social Sciences 7.7%

Computer Science 6.3%

Psychology 6.2%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Purdue University and University of Illinois are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Purdue University is in West Lafayette, IN while University of Illinois is in Champaign, IL
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Purdue University vs University of Illinois FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Purdue University or University of Illinois?

University of Illinois is harder to get into, with a 43.7% acceptance rate vs Purdue University's 50.3%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Purdue University or University of Illinois?

University of Illinois has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($33,642/yr) vs Purdue University ($24,591/yr) — a difference of $9,051/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $12,339/yr at Purdue University vs $11,861/yr at University of Illinois.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University or University of Illinois?

University of Illinois graduates earn more — a median of $81,054 10 years post-grad, vs $72,424 at Purdue University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Purdue University or University of Illinois?

It depends on your priorities. Purdue University is in West Lafayette, IN; University of Illinois is in Champaign, IL. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Purdue University or University of Illinois?

Both Purdue University and University of Illinois have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Purdue University's salary page and University of Illinois's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.