College Comparison
UIUC vs UC Irvine: 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 Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7% | 25.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501wins | $45,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9% | 86.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 29,494 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC edges out UC Irvine on 5 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,054
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.3%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Graduation Rate: 86.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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