College Comparison
UIUC vs UC San Diego: 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 San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501wins | $46,042 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054 | $84,943wins |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9% | 87.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 93.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 19:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 33,787 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out UIUC 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
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.3%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 34,623
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.6%
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