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 Rate7.2%43.7%
In-State Tuition$65,997$16,004
Out-of-State Tuition$65,997$34,501
Average Net Price$8,070$14,297
Graduation Rate96.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

Northwestern University accepts 7.2% of applicants. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 43.7%. Northwestern University's tuition is $65,997. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's is $16,004. That's a $49,993 difference per year. Northwestern University graduates 96% 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.

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 7.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has lower published tuition: $16,004 versus $65,997. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Northwestern University: 96% 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.

Northwestern University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax