Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
- Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 14
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 6
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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,355, roughly $8,028 a year less
- 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates concentrate in Engineering (21% of degrees); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $14,355 vs $22,383.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,423.
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 $8,028 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $32,112 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, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report median earnings of $81,054, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has less business program depth, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrollment of 36,258 far exceeds University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 23,671.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,383 runs well above University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,763, against $19,500 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Illinois Urbana-Champaign holds onto its admits more tightly: 29% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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 Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Illinois Urbana-Champaign's top program is Mechanical Engineering (21% of enrollment), while Massachusetts-Amherst leads with Business Administration (17%).
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Massachusetts-Amherst
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is strongest in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Biology & Biomedical. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is harder to get into, admitting 42% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,355 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 83%.
Should you choose University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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