UT Austin vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
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![]() The University of Texas at Austin |
![]() University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
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Overview |
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Location | Austin, Texas | Champaign, Illinois |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 93.0% |
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Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 28.7% | 59.7% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$70
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SAT range | 1230 - 1500 | 1320 - 1510 |
ACT range | 27 - 33 | 29 - 34 |
Students submitting SAT score | 56.0% | 43.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 26.0% | 24.0% |
Total number of applicants | 66,077 | 47,593 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,994 | 28,395 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,060 | 8,297 |
Yield rate | 47.7% | 29.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,788
Out of state:
$59,032
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In state:
$31,636
Out of state:
$49,086
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Average net price | $16,589 | $14,272 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,752
Out of state:
$40,996
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In state:
$12,254
Out of state:
$29,704
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Room & board | $12,768 | $12,494 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
51.0%
Average amount $12,725 |
82.0%
Average amount $11,212 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
28.0%
Average amount $4,961 |
33.0%
Average amount $4,889 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $16,366 |
8.0%
Average amount $7,014 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% |
34,779
Men 54.1% Women 45.9% |
Graduate students |
11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% |
21,828
Men 55.8% Women 44.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 9.2% | 19.1% |
International students | 9.1% | 20.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 7,809 | 16,111 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | Yes |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois | Illinois California New Jersey Texas New York |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 17:1 | 21:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 87.8% | 84.9% |
Dropout rate | 11.7% | 14.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
Engineering Physics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the main differences between UT Austin and UIUC?
UT Austin is a large public university located in the heart of Austin, Texas, known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences. It boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong connection to the tech industry. UIUC, located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, is also a large public university with a renowned engineering program, particularly in computer science, and strong programs in agriculture and business. UIUC is known for its research focus and a more traditional college town atmosphere.
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Which university is better for engineering?
Both UT Austin and UIUC have excellent engineering programs, consistently ranked among the top in the nation. UIUC is particularly strong in computer science and electrical engineering, while UT Austin excels in petroleum engineering and has a strong overall engineering program with close ties to the Texas energy sector. The 'better' choice depends on your specific engineering discipline and career goals.
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How do the costs of attending UT Austin and UIUC compare?
Generally, UT Austin is less expensive for in-state students compared to UIUC for in-state students. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable, though UT Austin may still be slightly lower. Remember to factor in the cost of living, which can be higher in Austin than in Urbana-Champaign, depending on your lifestyle.
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What is the campus environment like at UT Austin versus UIUC?
UT Austin offers a vibrant and bustling campus environment in a major city. Austin is known for its live music, outdoor activities, and thriving tech scene. UIUC provides a more traditional college town experience, with a focus on academics and research. The campus is more self-contained, and the surrounding towns offer a quieter, more community-oriented atmosphere.
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Which university is better for business programs?
Both UT Austin's McCombs School of Business and UIUC's Gies College of Business are highly regarded. McCombs is known for its strong connections to the Texas business community and its focus on entrepreneurship. Gies is recognized for its innovation in online education and its strong accounting program. The best choice depends on your specific business interests and career aspirations.
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What are the admission requirements for UT Austin and UIUC?
Both universities are highly selective. Admission to both UT Austin and UIUC requires a strong academic record, including high GPA and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply). They also consider extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. UT Austin places a greater emphasis on Texas residency for admission, while UIUC has a larger out-of-state student population.
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How do the research opportunities compare between UT Austin and UIUC?
Both UT Austin and UIUC are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UIUC is particularly known for its research in engineering, computer science, and agriculture. UT Austin has strong research programs in engineering, natural sciences, and energy-related fields. Both offer numerous labs, research centers, and funding opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge research.
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What is the student life like at UT Austin and UIUC?
UT Austin boasts a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and social events. The city of Austin offers numerous entertainment options, including live music, outdoor activities, and a thriving food scene. UIUC has a more traditional college town atmosphere with a strong sense of community. There are numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic competitions. Both universities offer a rich and diverse student experience, but the overall atmosphere differs significantly.
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How do the career services and job placement rates compare?
Both UT Austin and UIUC have strong career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job searches, and career counseling. UT Austin benefits from its location in a major tech hub, offering numerous internship and job opportunities in the Austin area. UIUC has strong connections to companies in the Midwest and beyond, particularly in engineering and technology. Both universities have high job placement rates for their graduates.
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Which university has a stronger alumni network?
Both UT Austin and UIUC have large and active alumni networks. UT Austin's alumni network is particularly strong in Texas and the Southwest, while UIUC's alumni network is well-established in the Midwest and across the globe. Both networks offer valuable connections and resources for graduates seeking career opportunities and professional development.
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