College Comparison
UIUC vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UIUC
Champaign, IL
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501wins | $34,934 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC edges out South Carolina on 9 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UIUC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–34
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,501
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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