HomeCompare › ASU vs UIUC

Arizona State University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
44.8% UIUC acceptance
$17,136 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $4,868
ASU
$31,200
UIUC
$36,068
Acceptance Rate UIUC more selective
ASU
88.0%
UIUC
44.8%
Graduation Rate UIUC higher
ASU
69%
UIUC
87%
Avg SAT Score UIUC higher
ASU
1230
UIUC
1390
Starting Salary UIUC higher
ASU
$60,100
UIUC
$72,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU UIUC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$36,068ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$16,862ASU
Room & Board$14,000$13,416UIUC
Acceptance Rate88.0%44.8%UIUC
Graduation Rate69%87%UIUC
Average SAT12301390UIUC
Student-Faculty Ratio18:120:1ASU
Enrollment83,44656,607-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$16,470UIUC
Starting Salary$60,100$72,400UIUC
Endowment$1.5B$3.5BUIUC
Campus Size1,695 acres1,783 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
UIUCUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
UIUC1,783 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
UIUCNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
UIUCMidwest
Founded
ASU1885
UIUC1867
Enrollment
ASU83,446
UIUC56,607

Need Help Choosing Between ASU & UIUC?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or UIUC harder to get into?+
UIUC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.8% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or UIUC?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $197,936). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while UIUC offers $16,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at UIUC it is 1390. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UIUC has 20:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and UIUC compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.