Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Side-by-side comparison based on real salary, cost, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education.
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $80,718 | $101,262 |
| Listed Price | $39,694 | $33,642 |
| What You Pay | $32,875 | $14,355 |
| What You'd Really Pay | $140,610 | $64,526 |
| Typical Debt | $25,000 | $19,500 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.1% | 85.1% |
| Pays for Itself In | 2.8 yrs | 0.9 yrs |
| Salary Boost | +169% | +238% |
| Ahead After 10 Years | $666,570 | $948,094 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Based on Value Score, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scores higher at 98/100 for its top program. Compare all metrics including salary, cost, and graduation rate to decide which is the better fit for your major.
What is the average salary for graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
The top-earning program at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Petroleum Engineering) has a median salary of $80,718/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.
What is the average salary for graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The top-earning program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Computer Science) has a median salary of $101,262/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus cost vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $14,355/yr at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $64,526.
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Comparison shows each school's top-earning bachelor's degree program. Learn about our methodology.