University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Eastern Illinois University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comes out ahead: 93/100 to 54/100, a 39-point edge over Eastern Illinois University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Eastern Illinois University runs $12,786 a year against $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - $1,569 more a year, or about $6,276 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn a median $81,054 against $51,989 at Eastern Illinois University. The cost earns itself back in 4.3 years at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and 11.3 years at Eastern Illinois University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign owing a median $19,500 versus $21,500 at Eastern Illinois University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.61 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Illinois Ur... | Eastern Illinois Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,004 | $13,679 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,124 | $16,217 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,355 | $12,786 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,420 | $51,144 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $52,300 | $35,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $81,054 | $51,989 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.1% | 47.4% |
| Payback Period | 4.3 yr | 11.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.61 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.7% | 68.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.4% | 66.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 42.4% | 65.3% |
| Enrollment | 36,258 | 4,188 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1520 | 880-1090 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Illino... | Eastern Illinois Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $2,038 | $9,828 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,373 | $8,619 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $7,982 | $11,412 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,152 | $15,665 |
| $110,001+ | $28,761 | $21,027 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Illino... | Eastern Illinois Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $146,946 | $72,220 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $119,978 | $70,704 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $104,172 | $60,985 |
| Accounting | $101,098 | $66,840 |
| Marketing | $90,744 | $62,994 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $83,451 | $59,401 |
| International Relations | $69,515 | $61,519 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,782 | $50,502 |
| Journalism | $67,539 | $54,038 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $66,439 | $57,887 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $65,605 | $60,473 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $60,685 | $47,566 |
| Sociology | $55,393 | $48,925 |
| Teacher Education | $55,105 | $43,190 |
| English Language and Literature | $54,570 | $47,222 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Illino... | Eastern Illinois Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 97 | 73 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 97 | 54 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 50 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 33 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 35 |
| Overall ROI Score | 93 | 54 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign clearly outperforms Eastern Illinois University (93 vs 54), a 39-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Eastern Illinois University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Eastern Illinois University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.