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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of Texas at Austin

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

44.8% UIUC acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$15,464 UIUC cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UIUC saves $5,002
UIUC
$36,068
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
UIUC
44.8%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Same
UIUC
87%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UIUC higher
UIUC
1390
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UIUC higher
UIUC
$72,400
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric UIUC UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,068$41,070UIUC
Tuition (In-State)$16,862$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$13,416$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate44.8%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate87%87%Tie
Average SAT13901370UIUC
Student-Faculty Ratio20:117:1UT Austin
Enrollment56,60752,384-
Avg Financial Aid$16,470$14,990UIUC
Starting Salary$72,400$68,500UIUC
Endowment$3.5B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,783 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UIUC = $132,056 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UIUCUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
UIUC1,783 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
UIUCNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
UIUCMidwest
UT AustinSouth
Founded
UIUC1867
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
UIUC56,607
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UIUC or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 44.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UIUC or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UIUC costs less over 4 years ($197,936 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UIUC offers an average of $16,470/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UIUC and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at UIUC is 1390 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UIUC or UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 vs $68,500). 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?+
UIUC has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UIUC and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with a 1,783-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. UIUC competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.