University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign vs Purdue University

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign vs Purdue University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Purdue University are two of the most highly ranked public research universities in the U.S., both of which are well known for their work in STEM disciplines. UIUC ranks 70th and Purdue ranks 88th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UIUC ranks 46th and Purdue ranks 79th. In the U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, UIUC ranks 109th, and Purdue ranks 173rd. UIUC leads in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, whereas Purdue is leading in engineering globally, aerospace, and technology-based fields.

General Information

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 and is situated in the twin cities of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. It enrolls over 34,000 undergraduate students. It is renowned for its pioneering efforts in the fields of engineering, computing, and agriculture sciences with facilities and a campus community that rival the best in the world.

Purdue University, established in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, has more than 37,000 undergraduate students. It is famously referred to as the "Cradle of Astronauts" and excels in engineering, aviation, and space exploration, as well as management and agricultural sciences.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UIUC's acceptance rate is 43.7%, which means it is moderately selective, especially for high-demand majors such as computer science and engineering. Purdue University's acceptance rate is slightly higher at 50.3% and is somewhat more accessible while still having relatively competitive admissions, especially for its much-lauded engineering and STEM programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

UIUC is classified as an R1 research university with a research strength in supercomputing, data science, engineering, and agriculture, supported by centers like the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Purdue is also very impactful, with robust research credibility in aerospace, engineering, agriculture, and applied science, backed by top-flight labs and innovation facilities, including collaborations with NASA and international industries.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both schools are public universities, charging lower in-state tuition and higher tuition to out-of-state and foreign students. UIUC has good financial aid packages, research assistantships, and merit-based scholarships available, particularly for STEM students. Purdue also has competitive options available for aid, including extensive co-op and internship opportunities that allow students to pay for some of their education while gaining job experience.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UIUC graduates are exceptionally successful in business, engineering, agriculture, and technology, with alumni holding key positions in leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Purdue alumni are also well-known, with aerospace, aviation, engineering, and science being prominent fields, as well as being known for their leaders in industry and government. Its network of alumni boasts 27 astronauts, demonstrating its heritage in space and engineering excellence.