College Comparison
UIUC vs UC Davis: 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
UC Davis
Davis, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7% | 41.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501wins | $46,024 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201wins | $15,288 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $80,838 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9% | 85.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 93.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 31,777 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC edges out UC Davis on 7 of 9 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,501
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,201
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,054
UC Davis Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 41.6%
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.1%
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