University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Purdue University-Main Campus
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($81,054 vs $72,424). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 1.8 yrs).
| Measure | University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL | Purdue University-Main CampusIN |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $81,054 | $72,424 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 1.4 yrs | 1.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $14,355 | $14,600 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $33,642 | $24,591 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 85.1% | 83.1% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 94.8% | 92.7% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 42.4% | 49.9% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 36,258 | 44,503 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 6.4 | 6.8 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Purdue University-Main Campus a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 1.8 yrs). Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals. Use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Purdue University-Main Campus?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's average net price is $14,355 per year and Purdue University-Main Campus's is $14,600 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.
