Head-to-Head Comparison
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- New Jersey Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 14
- Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,355 vs New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,355, roughly $2,149 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 42% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #33
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New Jersey graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (33% of degrees); Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Engineering (21%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $81,054.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over New Jersey Institute of Technology. Net price $14,355 vs $16,504.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #33 vs #350-400.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 85% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New Jersey Institute of Technology and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are close on paper, but University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the harder admit. It takes 42% of applicants, while New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 to 1,440.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,355, about $2,149 a year below New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504. Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,596 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sits higher, at #33 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to keep costs and debt down; pick New Jersey Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign saves about $2,149 a year, yet New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn $3,222 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,504 runs well above University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrollment of 36,258 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Illinois Urbana-Champaign holds onto its admits more tightly: 29% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at New Jersey — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
More than 36,000 students choose the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 42%, the university maintains a competitive edge while welcoming a diverse student body. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 85%, indicating a supportive environment for student success.
Data from Opportunity Insights highlights that graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign can expect solid economic mobility. The average earnings for alumni ten years after graduation reach $81,054, suggesting that degrees from this university translate into significant financial benefits. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s emphasis on high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science supports upward mobility for many graduates.
Cost considerations are crucial for students. The net price for attending is approximately $14,355, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, a figure that aligns with the financial landscape of public universities. Students who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields or business, benefiting from robust programs and a collaborative campus culture.
Rankings They Appear On
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New Jersey's top program is Computer Science (33% of enrollment), while Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with Mechanical Engineering (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
The two schools feed different job markets. New Jersey Institute of Technology is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates in Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is harder to get into, admitting 42% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,355 after aid versus $16,504 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Do New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which has a better graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 73%.
Should you choose New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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