Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given UIUC's 43.7% acceptance rate and exceptional academic standards, most applicants face significant competition for admission. Students should build comprehensive college lists including institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable outcomes.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Ohio Northern University with 73.4% acceptance and virtually identical earnings of $80,928. DePauw University in Indiana admits 54.1% of applicants while producing graduates earning $70,527. Wabash College accepts 62.8% with median earnings of $69,952, located just 70 miles from UIUC.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in the Midwest should consider Purdue University with 50.3% acceptance and $72,424 median earnings, located 73 miles from UIUC. Within Illinois, Illinois Wesleyan University offers 45.2% acceptance with $70,871 earnings just 48 miles away, while Bradley University provides 76.7% acceptance at 84 miles distance.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
