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Florida 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.

25.0% FSU acceptance
44.8% UIUC acceptance
$63,044 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $14,385
FSU
$21,683
UIUC
$36,068
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
UIUC
44.8%
Graduation Rate UIUC higher
FSU
83%
UIUC
87%
Avg SAT Score UIUC higher
FSU
1310
UIUC
1390
Starting Salary UIUC higher
FSU
$59,800
UIUC
$72,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU UIUC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$36,068FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$16,862FSU
Room & Board$12,040$13,416FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%44.8%FSU
Graduation Rate83%87%UIUC
Average SAT13101390UIUC
Student-Faculty Ratio21:120:1UIUC
Enrollment46,94456,607-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$16,470UIUC
Starting Salary$59,800$72,400UIUC
Endowment$1.1B$3.5BUIUC
Campus Size1,427 acres1,783 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
UIUCUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
UIUC1,783 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
UIUCNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
UIUCMidwest
Founded
FSU1851
UIUC1867
Enrollment
FSU46,944
UIUC56,607

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or UIUC harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 44.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or UIUC?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $197,936). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU 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 FSU and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 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 FSU or UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 vs $59,800). 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?+
FSU has a 21:1 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 FSU and UIUC compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.