Academic Comparison between UIUC and Northwestern

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UIUC is a four-year, public school located in Champaign, IL and Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • UIUC is a public and Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than UIUC ($40,096).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UIUC.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,440) than UIUC (1,440).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (32) than UIUC (32).
  • UIUC has more students with 59,238 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UIUC has more full-time faculties with 2,498 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignvs.Northwestern University
Champaign, IllinoisLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
55%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$17,924Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
42.37 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
28.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,440SAT Score1,540
32ACT Score34
85 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate98 %
59,238Student Population23,856
2,498Number of Faculties2,442
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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