Academic Comparison between UIUC and UCSD

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of California-San Diego are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UIUC is located in Champaign, IL and UCSD is located in La Jolla, CA.

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UCSD has more expensive tuition & fees ($47,676) than UIUC ($40,096).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSD than UIUC.
  • UIUC has more students with 59,238 students while UCSD has 44,256 students.
  • UCSD has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UCSD has more full-time faculties with 3,101 faculties while UIUC has 2,498 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignvs.University of California-San Diego
Champaign, IllinoisLocationLa Jolla, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$15,788
Out-Of-State$47,676
55%% Receiving Financial Aid59%
$17,924Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,806
42.37 %Acceptance Rates26.71 %
28.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.41 %
1,440SAT Score-
32ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
95 %Retention Rate94 %
59,238Student Population44,256
2,498Number of Faculties3,101
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare