Differences between Penn State University (PSU) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Penn State University (PSU) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.

WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between University Park and Champaign. Penn State University (PSU) is in a Mid-Atlantic and Illinois is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools

Is Penn State University (PSU) or University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?

If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Penn State University (PSU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.

Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Penn State University (PSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.

You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.