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Georgia Tech 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.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
44.8% UIUC acceptance
$12,192 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $2,274
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UIUC
$36,068
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UIUC
44.8%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UIUC
87%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UIUC
1390
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UIUC
$72,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UIUC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$36,068Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$16,862Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$13,416Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%44.8%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%87%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501390Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:120:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28556,607-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$16,470UIUC
Starting Salary$83,600$72,400Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$3.5BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size400 acres1,783 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UIUCUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UIUC1,783 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UIUCNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UIUCMidwest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UIUC1867
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UIUC56,607

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UIUC harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 44.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UIUC?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $197,936). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while UIUC offers $16,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 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 Georgia Tech or UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $72,400). 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and UIUC compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.