Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: IU = $151,128 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
IU Top Majors
BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMediaUIUC Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics
Need Help Choosing Between IU & 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IU or UIUC harder to get into?+
UIUC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.8% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, IU or UIUC?+
At sticker price, UIUC costs less over 4 years ($197,936 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. IU offers an average of $13,900/year in aid while UIUC offers $16,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for IU and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at IU is 1240 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 IU or UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 vs $58,900). 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?+
IU 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 IU and UIUC compare for campus life?+
IU is located in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,940-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. IU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.