University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) vs NC State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, or Raleigh, North Carolina, home to two esteemed universities: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NCSU). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UIUC boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while NCSU welcomes a more diverse student body. Explore their contrasting popular majors, ranging from engineering and computer science to business and agriculture. Discover the nuances in their graduation rates, reflecting the dedication of their faculty and the drive of their students. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further insights into these two exceptional universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	North Carolina State University at Raleigh	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Overview
Location	Raleigh, North Carolina	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	94.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	47.5%	59.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1270 - 1440	1320 - 1510
ACT range	27 - 32	29 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	21.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	34.0%	24.0%
Total number of applicants	32,998	47,593
Total number of admissions given out	15,669	28,395
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,046	8,297
Yield rate	32.2%	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

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,986 Out of state: $45,771	In state: $31,636 Out of state: $49,086
Average net price	$14,328	$14,272
Tuition	In state: $6,535 Out of state: $27,320	In state: $12,254 Out of state: $29,704
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,768 Meal plan: $4,833	$12,494
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	62.0% Average amount $9,318	82.0% Average amount $11,212
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,022	33.0% Average amount $4,889
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $14,600	8.0% Average amount $7,014

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	26,505 Men 50.9% Women 49.1%	34,779 Men 54.1% Women 45.9%
Graduate students	10,326 Men 49.8% Women 50.2%	21,828 Men 55.8% Women 44.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	12.9%	19.1%
International students	9.5%	20.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	10,024	16,111
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey Maryland	Illinois California New Jersey Texas New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Agriculture Computer and Information Science	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.4%	84.9%
Dropout rate	5.0%	14.2%
Transferred out	9.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,745 Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $122,470 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,886 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $113,307 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,892 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $92,582 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,869 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $88,476 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,974 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,260 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,860 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $86,459 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,857 Year 2: $70,710 Year 3: $83,417 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,627 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $83,342 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,222 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $81,552 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,081 Year 2: $70,253 Year 3: $80,463	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $144,200 Year 2: $138,932 Year 3: $205,343 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $101,262 Year 2: $101,592 Year 3: $118,452 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,177 Year 2: $95,930 Year 3: $115,158 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $88,455 Year 2: $84,100 Year 3: $103,246 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,923 Year 2: $93,033 Year 3: $99,026 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,057 Year 2: $99,404 Year 3: $96,431 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,057 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,643 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $92,498 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,633 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $92,189 Engineering Physics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,606 Year 2: $74,845 Year 3: $90,556

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and North Carolina State University (NC State)?

UIUC is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, offering a classic Midwestern college town experience with a large, sprawling campus. NC State is situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, a rapidly growing city with a more urban and diverse environment. NC State's campus is also large, but it's integrated within the city, providing easier access to city amenities and a different feel compared to UIUC's more self-contained campus.
How do the academic programs compare at UIUC and NC State?

Both universities are strong in STEM fields. UIUC is particularly renowned for its engineering, computer science, and architecture programs. NC State excels in engineering, agriculture, design, and textiles. While both offer a wide range of programs, your choice may depend on your specific academic interests. Consider the faculty expertise, research opportunities, and specific program rankings within your desired field at each university.
What is the student life like at UIUC versus NC State?

UIUC boasts a vibrant student life with a large student body, offering a wide array of clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus culture is often described as energetic and diverse. NC State also has a lively student life, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and a growing Greek life presence. Raleigh's proximity to other major cities in North Carolina provides additional opportunities for entertainment and exploration for NC State students.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UIUC and NC State?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, in-state tuition at both universities is more affordable than out-of-state tuition. Research the specific tuition rates and financial aid opportunities available at each institution. Consider factors like scholarships, grants, and the cost of living in Urbana-Champaign versus Raleigh when making your comparison.
What are the research opportunities like at UIUC and NC State?

Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UIUC is known for its cutting-edge research in engineering, computer science, and agriculture. NC State has a strong research focus in engineering, agriculture, and textiles, with significant partnerships with industry and government. Explore the research labs, faculty profiles, and research centers at each university to find opportunities that align with your interests.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both UIUC and NC State have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. They offer career fairs, resume workshops, and networking events. Job placement rates are generally high for graduates of both universities, particularly in STEM fields. Research the specific career outcomes for your desired major at each university to get a better understanding of potential career paths.
What are the athletic programs like at UIUC and NC State?

UIUC is part of the Big Ten Conference, with a strong athletic program, particularly in football, basketball, and other sports. NC State competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), also with a competitive athletic program, known for its basketball and football teams. Both universities offer a vibrant athletic culture and provide opportunities for students to attend games and support their teams.
How does the campus culture and diversity compare?

Both universities strive for diversity and inclusion. UIUC has a large and diverse student body, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. NC State is also committed to diversity and inclusion, with a growing international student population and a focus on creating an inclusive campus environment. Consider the specific diversity initiatives and resources available at each university to determine which aligns best with your values.
What are the housing options like at UIUC and NC State?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UIUC has a large number of residence halls and apartments. NC State also provides a range of on-campus housing options, as well as numerous off-campus apartments and houses in the Raleigh area. Consider your preferences for living arrangements, proximity to campus, and cost when evaluating housing options at each university.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, cost of attendance, and career goals. If you prefer a classic Midwestern college town experience with a strong emphasis on engineering and computer science, UIUC might be a good choice. If you prefer a more urban environment with strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and textiles, and a vibrant athletic culture, NC State could be a better fit. Visit both campuses, if possible, and talk to current students to get a better feel for each university's culture and environment.

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