University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs DeVry University-Illinois
Admission Difficulty: Both schools have similar acceptance rates around 44%, but UIUC attracts more competitive applicants given its research university status.
Cost and Value: UIUC offers significantly better value despite similar sticker prices. In-state students pay $16,004 versus DeVry's $17,488, while out-of-state UIUC costs $34,501. However, UIUC's average net price of $15,201 is roughly half of DeVry's $30,878, indicating stronger financial aid. UIUC graduates earn a median of $81,054 after ten years compared to DeVry's $45,987, while carrying less debt ($19,500 vs $24,807).
Academic Strengths: UIUC operates as a comprehensive research university with strong programs across engineering, business, and liberal arts. DeVry focuses on career-oriented programs in technology, business, and healthcare with practical training emphasis.
Campus Experience: UIUC provides a traditional college experience with 34,623 students, NCAA Division I athletics, and extensive campus life. The 94% retention rate reflects high student satisfaction. DeVry's 65% retention rate and 36:1 student-faculty ratio suggest a more challenging environment for student engagement.
Outcomes: The graduation rate difference is stark: UIUC graduates 85% of students within six years versus DeVry's 37%. This translates directly to career prospects and earning potential.
UIUC suits academically motivated students seeking a comprehensive university experience and strong career outcomes, while DeVry may appeal to working adults needing flexible, career-focused programs despite lower completion rates and earnings.
Admission Difficulty: Both schools have similar acceptance rates around 44%, but UIUC attracts more competitive applicants given its research university status.
Cost and Value: UIUC offers significantly better value despite similar sticker prices. In-state students pay $16,004 versus DeVry's $17,488, while out-of-state UIUC costs $34,501. However, UIUC's average net price of $15,201 is roughly half of DeVry's $30,878, indicating stronger financial aid. UIUC graduates earn a median of $81,054 after ten years compared to DeVry's $45,987, while carrying less debt ($19,500 vs $24,807).
Academic Strengths: UIUC operates as a comprehensive research university with strong programs across engineering, business, and liberal arts. DeVry focuses on career-oriented programs in technology, business, and healthcare with practical training emphasis.
Campus Experience: UIUC provides a traditional college experience with 34,623 students, NCAA Division I athletics, and extensive campus life. The 94% retention rate reflects high student satisfaction. DeVry's 65% retention rate and 36:1 student-faculty ratio suggest a more challenging environment for student engagement.
Outcomes: The graduation rate difference is stark: UIUC graduates 85% of students within six years versus DeVry's 37%. This translates directly to career prospects and earning potential.
UIUC suits academically motivated students seeking a comprehensive university experience and strong career outcomes, while DeVry may appeal to working adults needing flexible, career-focused programs despite lower completion rates and earnings.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | DeVry University-Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 44.8% | 43.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,415 | 1,075 |
| Enrollment | 34,623 | 25,975 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,004 | $17,488 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,501 | $17,488 |
| Net Price | $15,201 | $30,878 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.9% | 36.9% |
| Retention Rate | 94.3% | 65.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $81,054 | $45,987 |
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $24,807 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | DeVry University-Illinois | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | $103,078 | Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $61,702 |
| Computer Science. | $101,592 | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $58,673 |
| Computer Engineering. | $84,100 | Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $57,499 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $75,775 | Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | $54,192 |
| Engineering Physics. | $74,845 | Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | $53,718 |