Academic Comparison between UCSD and UIUC

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

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UCSD has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,042) than UIUC ($39,192).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSD than UIUC.
  • UIUC has more students with 56,916 students while UCSD has 42,006 students.
  • UCSD has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • UCSD has more full-time faculties with 2,799 faculties while UIUC has 2,434 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-San Diegovs.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
La Jolla, CaliforniaLocationChampaign, Illinois
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$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,060
Out-Of-State$39,192
58%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$20,811Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,449
25.00 %Acceptance Rates44.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.00 %
-SAT Score1,410
-ACT Score32
87 %Graduation Rate84 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate93 %
42,006Student Population56,916
2,799Number of Faculties2,434
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio21 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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