Purdue vs UIUC: How Do They Compare in 2025?

If your decision is to choose between Purdue vs UIUC, then this is where you’ll get all the relevant information. Purdue University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are two of the highly renowned universities in the United States for their engineering programs. Offering state-of-the-art facilities for academics and research, they are featured in many of the best colleges’ lists, especially for their engineering and other STEM-related programs.

So, how does one choose between the two? Here, we do a comprehensive analysis and comparison of UIUC and Purdue across various factors so that you can make the decision that best suits your career goals.

A quick look

Both Purdue and UIUC offer incredible opportunities, but the choice depends on your priorities. Purdue, in West Lafayette, provides a focused, community-oriented campus vibe with standout programs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM fields, supported by a top-notch co-op program that emphasizes hands-on experience. UIUC, in Champaign-Urbana, has a slightly larger, livelier campus with strengths not only in engineering and computer science but also in business and liberal arts, offering a more diverse academic range. Both universities are research powerhouses, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, and they balance large lecture classes with smaller, specialized courses as you progress. Whether you prefer Purdue’s close-knit college-town feel or UIUC’s mix of urban and rural energy, you’ll find robust academics, strong industry connections, and a vibrant student life at both schools.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Purdue and UIUC
• Academic Comparison
• Campus Life and Environment
• Financial Aspects
• Career Prospects and Alumni Network
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Both the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and Purdue University have created a name for themselves when it comes to STEM education, especially in engineering and computer science. Besides CS, UIUC is known for psychology, information sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology and agriculture, while Purdue is a world leader when it comes to aeronautics and space technology.

UIUC is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in Illinois, about 150 miles from Chicago. It has a small-town, traditional college atmosphere, while Purdue is situated in West Lafayette, a semi-rural town in Indiana.

As you consider two of the best colleges in the United States for STEM education, it is important to remember that your choice will ultimately depend on your individual needs, goals, interests, and preferences.

Brief History and Background

Purdue University

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, on the banks of the Wabash River, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. In addition to the main campus, the university system also includes Purdue University in Indianapolis and two regional universities in Northwest and Fort Wayne.

Founded in 1869 as a college of science, technology, and architecture, Purdue has since then grown to be one of the largest universities in the United States, with ten constituent colleges offering over 200 programs across disciplines. World-renowned for its aviation and spaceflight technology programs, Purdue has earned the nickname “the cradle of astronauts”.

Purdue ranks 46th in the country (US News and World Report 2025) and 89th in the world (QS World University Ranking 2025) and often finds a spot on various lists of best universities and top public universities in the US.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

UIUC is a public, land-grant research university set up in 1867. The flagship university under the University of Illinois system, which also includes Chicago and Springfield, is the Urbana-Champaign campus, which is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment.

Originally established as the Illinois Industrial University, the institution grew to be called the University of Illinois in 1885 to reflect its multidisciplinary approach, particularly in the fields of agriculture and engineering (mechanical), while also including its liberal arts background.

UIUC ranks 33rd in the country according to US News and World Report and is one of the top ten public universities located in America. It is also among the top ten for library and information sciences, accounting, engineering and computer science programs.

Key Statistics and Rankings

Here is a table comparing the key stats and ranks when it comes to UIUC vs Purdue.

The fundamental parameter to consider when looking at UIUC vs Purdue University is academics. Both these US universities offer excellent academic programs and are well known for their world-class faculty and research infrastructure. Among all the other disciplines, they are best known for their engineering programs and are considered the best in different specialisations. They are both large, interdisciplinary universities offering a multitude of options for their students.

In this section, we look at both UIUC and Purdue to analyse their undergraduate and graduate courses, choices and flexibility, ranking, degrees and class sizes, academic calendars, research facilities and budgets, all of which can become important factors in deciding between the two universities.

Undergraduate Programs

Program Options and Focus Areas: At the undergraduate level, despite the marginal difference in ranking, both UIUC and Purdue are evenly positioned. They both offer a wide variety of programs across disciplines, with UIUC offering over 100 majors and Purdue having over 160 bachelor’s programmes to choose from. They are both comprehensive universities that have dedicated colleges for arts, sciences, social studies, law, business, and veterinary sciences.

That said, they are primarily known for their STEM programs, especially computer science and engineering. Within this domain, Purdue has made a name for itself, especially in the areas of agricultural engineering, aeronautics and space technology, nursing, and mechanical engineering, while UIUC is better known for computer/software engineering, civil engineering and biomedical engineering.

Ranking and Reputation: Even though the university ranking should not be the only factor when it comes to choosing universities, it is a metric that quantifies where universities stand, both at the overall and individual subject levels. Within the United States, UIUC is marginally ahead of Purdue, standing at the 33rd spot, while the Indiana-based university ranks 46th according to the US News and World Report 2025. On a global scale as well, the University of Illinois fares better than Purdue. U of I ranks 69th, while Purdue ranks 89th according to QS World University Rankings 2025.

That said, Purdue does not fall far behind when it comes to reputation. It is renowned for its practical, application-oriented programs, the flexibility of choice of courses, its top-notch faculty and partnerships with industry and tech companies.

Eligibility Criteria and Standardized Test Scores: Another important distinction when analysing Purdue vs UIUC is that Purdue requires its applicants to submit SAT/ ACT test scores, while UIUC is test-optional.

The middle 50% of the students who were admitted to Purdue typically have a SAT score ranging from 1210 – 1470. With ACT, the scores are typically between 27 and 34. When applying for UIUC, applicants can elect for ACT or SAT scores to be considered in the application review when they submit the application. Applicants who choose to withhold test scores are not disadvantaged in consideration for admission in any way. On average, about 60% of admitted first-years submit their test scores, and the middle 50% has about 1380 – 1530 on the SAT and 30 – 34 on the ACT.

Looking at other admission requirements, both schools do not have an official minimum high school GPA, but competitive applicants typically have at least a 3.55 – 3.94 on a 4.0 scale for UIUC. The competitive high school GPA to get into the college of engineering at Purdue is between 3.8 and 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is, of course, keeping in mind that engineering is one of the most competitive programs in the university.

For most courses, applicants are also required to display a mastery in mathematics, including calculus, science, and English. Most international students are also required to submit IELTS/ TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency.

In addition to GPA and test scores, an applicant’s statement of purpose and letters of recommendation also carry weight as part of the application.

Core Curriculum: The University of Illinois has a core curriculum requirement for all its undergraduates called General Education or “Gen Ed” that typically comprises the following categories.

• Composition
• Humanities and the Arts: Literature & the Arts or Historical & Philosophical Perspectives
• Natural Sciences and Technology: Life Science or Physical Science
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures, Non-Western Cultures, and US Minority Cultures

At Purdue, the learning outcomes of the core curriculum are divided into two categories –– foundational and embedded. All undergrad students must meet the foundational requirements, while the embedded core curriculum is designed based on the foundational requirements of your major. The foundational core includes –

• Written Communication
• Information Literacy
• Oral Communication
• Science
• Science, Technology and Society
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
• Humanities
• Behavioral & Social Sciences

Class Sizes: When it comes to the undergraduate student body, both are extremely large universities. Purdue has over 44,000 bachelor’s students, while UIUC has over 35,000. Despite being the larger of the two, Purdue has a lower student-to-faculty rate of about 14:1, while the typical ratio at UIUC is 18:1. This difference is also marginal and can vary with individual courses and departments. About 37% of classes have fewer than 20 students at Purdue, while about 40% of classes at UIUC have fewer than 20 students.

Acceptance Rates: At the outset, when comparing acceptance rates, the average at UIUC is around 42%, while it is about 49% at Purdue. At the outset, these two universities are a lot less competitive than, say, Harvard, MIT, Georgia Tech, or any of the other Tier 1 universities. While these might reflect the rates of some programs, it is important to note that the acceptance rates can vary quite significantly across departments. For instance, at UIUC, the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences has a rate of 56.7%, while their computer science programs are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 7.2%. The most competitive majors at Purdue are Professional Flight Technology with a rate of 10.9%, Nursing with about 24% and Computer Science with about 35.9%.

Top Majors:

Graduate Programs

Graduate Program Options: UIUC has over 100 master’s programs to choose from while Purdue has 160+. While UIUC ranks marginally higher than Purdue, they are both equally acclaimed for their STEM programs, especially when it comes to computer science and engineering. Purdue for instance has better global recognition and industry connections.
UIUC has a multitude of other options besides STEM, including business administration, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, media studies, arts, and social work. It is also important to note that all master’s programs offered by Gies College of Business at UIUC are online. Similarly. Purdue also has colleges of Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, and the Daniels School of Business that offer master’s degrees on campus. While Purdue does not have its own medical school, the IU School of Medicine is located within the Lafayette campus.

If you are looking at the graduate student body, UIUC is bigger than that of Purdue. The Illinois university has about 20,000 master’s and doctoral students while Purdue has over 12,000 grad students.

Unlike UK universities, US universities do not differentiate between MSc and MRes programs. Almost all graduate degrees in the US take about 2 years to complete and have a combination of classroom-taught and research elements.

College Admissions: The minimum admission criteria in both universities include

• A valid baccalaureate degree and transcripts from a recognised university (GPA varies with departments),
• A strong application form
• A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Relevant work experience (for some courses),
• Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• English proficiency test scores (for international students).

However, there is a difference when it comes to standardised test score submission. At UIUC, GRE is not a mandatory requirement of the Graduate College as a whole but might be required/ recommended for some specific programs. At Purdue, GRE is required for all graduate engineering applicants. With other programs, while it is not mandatory, it is recommended.

Top Graduate Programs:

Overall and Subject Ranking

From the table, it is clear that both schools are consistent, relatively evenly positioned, and have their general areas of expertise. When comparing such universities, it is important to look at other other factors such as location, campus life, student experience, the cost of tuition, specific programs, course curriculum and so on. Ultimately, the decision should rest on individual preferences and what best aligns with your career goals.

Constituent Schools

Purdue University has 12 colleges, which are then further divided into departments.

• College of Agriculture
• Daniels School of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• Exploratory Studies
• College of Health and Human Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Pharmacy
• Purdue Polytechnic Institute
• College of Science
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• John Martinson Honors College

Note: While Purdue does not have a medical college of its own, one of the campuses of the Indiana School of Medicine is located within the West Lafayette Campus.

The major academic units at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are:

• College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
• College of Applied Health Sciences
• Gies College of Business
• College of Education
• The Grainger College of Engineering
• College of Fine and Applied Arts
• Division of General Studies
• Graduate College
• School of Labor and Employment Relations
• College of Law
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Information Sciences
• College of Media
• Carle Illinois College of Medicine
• School of Social Work
• College of Veterinary Medicine

Research Opportunities

Both Purdue and UIUC are premier R1 research universities that encourage their students to participate in research from the undergraduate level and push the boundaries of their disciplines. Purdue spends over $640 million on research every year, while UIUC spends about $730 million.

A tier-one research university, Purdue is known for its multidisciplinary approach and contributions to the fields of STEM, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. For the last 7 years, Purdue has found its spot among the top 10 most innovative schools in the United States (Source: US News and World Report, 2025). The university offers a number of research opportunities to its students, including the Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship (DUIRI) Program, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP), The Data Mine and Student Partners for Information Research and Literacy (SPIRaL). The campus is home to 132 university-approved research centres, and just last year, the Purdue Applied Research Institute opened a Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility on campus.

One of the best research universities in the Midwest, UIUC has over 175 centres and research institutes dedicated to the advancement of knowledge. The university is also home to “Research Park”, a leading innovation hub for technology commercialisation. It is a unique, dedicated environment that cultivates start-ups and increases capabilities for established companies. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and employs over 2,100 people in high-technology careers and over 800 student interns. In addition, the university is known for its contributions to the areas of physics, aerospace engineering, material sciences, and public engagement. About 40% of the university’s undergrads are involved in research activities.

To sum up, both universities foster robust research environments with creative liberty in search of new knowledge. They help students develop a research mindset from the undergraduate level, helping their alumni become leaders and catalysts of change in the world.

Key Dates for Application

In this section, we will be looking at the key dates for application and admission into undergraduate programs (Fall semester) to get a sense of the timeline. Graduate schools have a different timeline. It is also recommended that you verify with the specific department / school that you are applying to, just to ensure they do not follow a different cycle.

Admission Options to be considered in the UIUC Purdue debate:

• Both schools do not have an Early Decision (ED) admission pathway.
• The Early Action pathway in both schools is non-restrictive and non-binding.
• Both UIUC and Purdue accept Common Application.
• The application fee is $60 for domestic students and $75 for international students at Purdue, while it is $70 and $90, respectively at UIUC.

Academic Calendar

Both schools follow a semester system when it comes to their academic calendar. A year is divided into the Fall Semester (August/ September – December) and the Spring Semester (January – April/ May). Both schools also have an accelerated/ shorter summer term during which some academic activities take place.

Note: Purdue Global, the online university that offers personalized education for working adults, typically offers its programs in a quarter system. This is not to be confused with the university campus in Lafayette.

From their location to the campus culture, UIUC and Purdue offer varied experiences to their students. Let us take a look at some of the other factors that can make a prospective student prefer Purdue to the University of Illinois or the other way around.

Location

Both the Urbana-Champaign area and Lafayette are located in the American midwest, with about 90 miles between them. While the former is located in the state of Illinois, Purdue is in Indiana. In terms of weather, both are in the same climate zone, known for their harsh winters and short summers.

As a city, Urbana is primarily a safe college town, about 200 miles from Chicago. Lafayette is partly a college town also known for its rich natural landscape. Both cities are great for student experiences in terms of social activity and nightlife but typically do not have a multitude of employment opportunities, especially in the tech sector.

When it comes to cost of living, Indiana as a state is much cheaper when compared to Illinois. This is reflected in the cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, accommodation, and general cost of living.

Campus Size and Facilities

When comparing campus sizes, Purdue is smaller, spanning about 2,500 acres with over 160 major buildings. The entire campus of the University of Illinois spans over 6,300 acres with over 650 buildings.

Home to over 50,000 students, the Purdue campus is designed to provide a wholesome college experience for its students. In addition to the top-notch academic and research facilities that include state-of-the-art labs and libraries, the campus is home to the Purdue Arboretum, two galleries, the Memorial Union that displays a Degas Collection valued at over $21 million, the Neil Armstrong Statue (Armstrong was an alumnus of Purdue), the bell tower, lush courtyards and quadrangles that foster a sense of community.  Moreover, the university has numerous sports complexes, forums and recreation areas.

In addition to the sprawling campus, UIUC has one of the largest public university libraries in the world, with over 24 million titles to choose from. The campus is also home to 4 theatres in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts that annually hosts 350+ student and professional performances. Other than state-of-the-art academic resources, the university has numerous museums and over 470,000 square feet of recreational space that includes indoor tracks, leisure pools and multiple courts.

Student Activities and Organisations

When it comes to extracurricular activities, both universities have a culture of enabling students to explore other interests beyond academics.

Athletics:

Purdue has a rich tradition in collegiate athletics and competes for championships in the NCAA Division I and the Big Ten Conference. About 18 teams from Purdue participate in NCAA Division I sports. Besides, there are numerous club sports for those who want to participate in fitness or recreation. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini include ten men’s teams and 11 women’s teams competing at Division I level. College Basketball is one of the main events that brings the whole university together. The university is also home to 11 major facilities including the Memorial Stadium, State Farm Center, Atkins Tennis Center, Huff Hall, Illinois Field, and the Illinois Track and Soccer Stadium.

Student clubs and organizations:

Looking beyond athletics, UIUC has over 1,000 student clubs and organisations to choose from, ranging from academic clubs, animal welfare organisations, virtual reality and various young Americans organisations. The campus also has an active Greek life, with 54 fraternities and 42 sororities. Around 5,900 out of the 35,000+ undergrads are members of a fraternity or sorority.

Purdue also houses more than 1,000 student clubs and organisations, not including the numerous campus events that take place throughout the year. Purdue boasts one of the nation’s largest fraternity, sorority, and cooperative communities, with over 6,500 students who are members of 90 organizations.

Housing and Accommodation

At the undergraduate level, UIUC requires freshmen to live on campus, while it is optional at Purdue, even though about 94% of first-years choose to live on campus. UIUC has 24 residence halls for undergrads that can accommodate over 8,500 students, while Purdue has about 17 residence halls plus boiler apartments, special housing options and learning communities. Options include traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style rooms that are shared among students. About 50% of students choose to live on campus at UIUC, while the number is around 42% for Purdue.

Both schools also have dedicated housing options for their graduate students, ranging from residence halls to family apartments. The housing office of both schools also assists students with the requirements of off-campus accommodation.

Finance is an important consideration in your decision-making process when choosing between Purdue University vs University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Public universities, such as Purdue and UIUC, are generally more affordable than private universities like MIT, Stanford, or any of the Ivy League universities.

If you are from the state of Illinois or Indiana, respectively, then the in-state tuition rates, which are highly subsidised, kick in. This is a huge deciding factor for local students. The cost of tuition is higher for both out-of-state and international students.

That said, UIUC is generally more expensive when it comes to tuition and fees when compared to Purdue, even for the residents of Illinois. Both schools also have highly inclusive financial aid programs, especially for US citizens. Here is a table that provides a general picture of the cost of studying at each of these universities.

Here are a few important points to be kept in mind.

• Public universities are generally cheaper but also have lower demonstrated need covers.
• Both have numerous scholarship and financial aid options, especially for state residents and US citizens. It is important to research specific scholarship options for the program/ department that you are applying for.
• The tuition fees are average figures calculated for a typical academic year of 9 months. The fee will be higher should you choose to take extra courses in the summer months.
• The tuition fee amounts in the table  are indicative of only the cost of attendance. It does not include books, student health insurance and other expenses. Student insurance alone can cost between $3,000 – $7,000 a year.
• While both schools have merit and need-based options, both schools do not offer need-based aid for international students.
• International students can, however, apply for work-study or external sources of funding.

After academics, campus life, and the financial aspects, another important factor that can alter your decision is the return on investment. Which university has the higher graduation rate, who has better employment prospects, how big is their alumni network are all important questions to ask.

That said, considering the name and fame of the two universities, and their extensive alumni networks, there is no doubt that a graduate of these schools will have numerous opportunities of their choosing after graduation. The academic rigour and culture of research in these two universities create a pedigree that recruiters often compete to get for their organisations.

Employment Rates

Purdue has an employment rate of about 90% of its graduates receiving employment offers within six months of graduation. About 95% of 2022 UIUC grads reported being employed or continuing their education within 6 months of graduation. If you are comparing graduation rates, the 6-year graduation rate at Purdue is about 83% while it is around 85% at UIUC.

Notable Alumni

UIUC has over 545,000 living alums across the globe, one of the largest alumni organisations in the US. Purdue’s alumni network is also extensive and spans across a community of 600,000 people who are some of the brightest minds in science, technology and business.

If you are comparing Nobel Laureates as a mark of academic excellence, UIUC is associated with about 24 Nobel Prize Winners and over 15 Pulitzer winners while chemists Herbert Brown and El-ichi Negishi were at Purdue at the time of winning their Nobel Prize.

Notable Alums of UIUC

• Rosalyn Yalow, Nobel Prize in Medicine
• Jawed Karim, Co-founder of YouTube
• Nick Offerman, Actor
• Marc Anderssen, Co-author of Mosaic, co-founder of Netscape
• Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code
• Ed Boon, Creator of the Mortal Kombat video game series

Other Notable Alumni from Purdue University

• Neil Armstrong, Astronaut
• Gene Cernan, Astronaut
• Orville Redenbacher, Food Scientist
• Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, Aviator
• Games Slayter, Developer of fibreglass

Career Services

From internships to employment opportunities, organisations and recruiters seek students and graduates of top universities like UIUC and Purdue. In both universities, the career centres for strategy and success assist their students in gaining practical experience, building networks and communicating their aptitudes and skill sets to prospective employers. They also play an instrumental role in building leadership skills and specialised skills that are essential to a workplace.

In both universities, the career centre connects students to internship opportunities and prospective employers through seminars, job fairs, and numerous other on-campus events. Their goal is to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of career development.

While both UIUC and Purdue have co-op programs, the co-op at Purdue is generally considered better. UIUC has a few co-op options, but the onus is typically on the student to find co-ops/ internships.

Deciding between Purdue and UIUC involves carefully anslysing various aspects such as academic strengths, campus life, financial implications, and career prospects. Both universities offer unparalleled opportunities, but your decision should align with your personal and professional goals.
Located about 90 miles from each other, they are fairly similar when it comes to their reputation and the opportunities they provide for their students. The key aspect that ties the two schools together is that they are both public universities, renowned for STEM and its related fields. They also provide numerous financial aid and housing options for their students. Beyond that, the following list highlights the key similarities and differences.

• UIUC ranks 33rd at the national level, while Purdue ranks 46th. On the global scale, UIUC ranks 69th while Purdue stands at the 89th spot.
• While both are comprehensive universities that offer a variety of programs, they have a reputation for STEM, especially engineering.  UIUC is highly renowned for information sciences, computer science and agriculture while Purdue has a reputation for engineering and technology, aerospace and space technology, AI, mechanical engineering, and agriculture among other disciplines.
• The cost of tuition and living is lower at Purdue than at UIUC.  Illinois is generally more expensive than Indiana. That said both schools offer subsidised in-state tuition rates for residents.
• Purdue has more undergraduates than UIUC, but both are large universities with large student bodies. The number of grad students is higher at UIUC than at Purdue. That said, Purdue has a marginally lower student-to-faculty ratio than UIUC.
• While both universities are relatively selective in their admissions, Purdue has an average acceptance rate of about 49% while the rate varies significantly across the departments of UIUC. One of the most popular programs, computer science, has an acceptance rate of about 7%, while the overall university average is about 40%.
• For undergraduate admissions, Purdue requires SAT/ ACT scores while UIUC is test optional.
• All master’s degrees offered by the Gies College of Business at UIUC are online. The Daniels School of Business at Purdue has in-campus programs.
• Purdue has a smaller campus when compared to UIUC but has more students.
• UIUC requires freshmen to stay on campus, while it is optional at Purdue. That said, both schools have a limited number of on-campus accommodations for their students.
• UIUC has a reputation for a vibrant student experience, with active Greek life and numerous opportunities to socialise, network and interact.
• Both Urbana-Champaign, ILL and Lafayette, IND, are known for their harsh winters, with temperatures going as low as -20ºC. They are both relatively safer, primarily college towns. However, Purdue’s location makes it more rural and peaceful while UIUC campus has been described as bustling.

Considering their reputation, the ultimate call rests on whether the course curriculum and the learning outcomes meet your career plans. The most significant part of your research is to compare courses, syllabi, electives, faculty and research facilities of your preferred degree program, speak to current students, and then decide depending on which school better suits your needs.

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Is UIUC tough to get into?

Depends on the program. One of the hardest fields to get admission is computer science which has an acceptance rate of about 7.2%. Beyond that, the average acceptance rate of the university is around 42%.

How prestigious is Purdue University?

Purdue is one of the top public universities in the US and has also been ranked 9th among the most recognized universities in the world in the 2024-25 Global University Visibility rankings.

Which is better, Purdue or UIUC?

UIUC is ranked higher than Purdue but the difference is marginal. They have their reputation for different subjects as discussed in the article but are generally considered as equal competitors. Purdue is slightly cheaper and has more flexibility in courses when compared to UIUC.

Is UIUC better than NYU?

There is only a marginal difference in their ranks both nationally and globally. However, NYU has a better global reputation for social sciences, humanities, and arts programs, while UIUC is known for STEM. Both universities, however, offer extensive career services, partner with top employers, tech companies, and industries, and provide opportunities to network and socialise.

What is the culture of Purdue University vs UIUC?

The general narrative is that Purdue is more relaxed and laid back with a rural ethos, while UIUC is a more urban and bustling campus.

What are some of the other universities in the same tier as UIUC and Purdue?

Firstly, there is no official categorisation of universities into tiers in the US. It is a perception that depends on reputation, ranking, acceptance rates, and many other factors. Just like ranking, tiers also cannot be commonly applied across departments. For example, UIUC would generally be classified as a Tier 2 or even a Tier 3 university. However, it is definitely in the top tier for its computer science program.

That said, some of the other universities you can consider, depending on your choice of major, includes Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, Penn State, NYU, Tufts and Boston University.