University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of Maryland-College Park
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Maryland-College Park come out about even on financial return. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scores 93/100 and University of Maryland-College Park scores 94/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign runs $14,355 a year against $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park - $1,323 more a year, or about $5,292 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn a median $82,860 against $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The cost earns itself back in 4.3 years at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and 4.2 years at University of Maryland-College Park.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland-College Park owing a median $19,000 versus $19,500 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.38 - 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... | University of Maryland-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,004 | $11,809 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,124 | $41,186 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,355 | $15,678 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,420 | $62,712 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $52,300 | $50,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $81,054 | $82,860 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.1% | 88.6% |
| Payback Period | 4.3 yr | 4.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.38 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.7% | 85.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.4% | 83.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 42.4% | 44.8% |
| Enrollment | 36,258 | 30,760 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1520 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Illino... | University of Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $2,038 | $2,962 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,373 | $6,051 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $7,982 | $10,273 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,152 | $18,250 |
| $110,001+ | $28,761 | $26,691 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Illino... | University of Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $181,981 | $137,931 |
| Computer Engineering | $159,855 | $152,422 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $146,946 | $144,501 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $119,978 | $110,648 |
| Electrical Engineering | $111,783 | $107,834 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $104,172 | $111,649 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $107,904 | $86,590 |
| Chemical Engineering | $104,317 | $102,149 |
| Accounting | $101,098 | $97,314 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,329 | $100,003 |
| Mathematics | $78,891 | $99,689 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $97,276 | $98,044 |
| Materials Engineering | $97,924 | $97,714 |
| Marketing | $90,744 | $93,782 |
| Agricultural Engineering | $89,400 | $93,440 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Illino... | University of Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 97 | 96 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 97 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 89 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 95 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 87 |
| Overall ROI Score | 93 | 94 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Maryland-College Park edges out University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by 1 points (94 vs 93), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Maryland-College Park
Exceptional 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.