Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Northwestern University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Evanston, IL · Champaign, IL · Source: IPEDS federal database

Northwestern UniversityUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Acceptance Rate7.7%42.4%
In-State Tuition$68,322$16,004
Out-of-State Tuition$68,322$35,124
Average Net Price$26,830$13,973
Graduation Rate95.0%85.0%
Total Enrollment23,85659,238
Student-Faculty Ratio620

GradFax Analysis

Northwestern University accepts 7.7% of applicants. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 42.4%. Northwestern University's tuition is $68,322. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's is $16,004. That's a $52,318 difference per year. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students in 6 years. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates 85%.

Bottom Line

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is public; Northwestern University is private. If you're an in-state student, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

After aid, the average student pays $26,830/year at Northwestern University and $13,973/year at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Northwestern University profileUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Northwestern University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

Northwestern University. It accepts 7.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Northwestern University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign more affordable?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, on average. After aid, students pay $13,973/year versus $26,830/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Northwestern University: 95% of students finish in 6 years. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is at 85%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.