Illinois vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in Champaign, IL with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (59,238 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is located in Champaign, IL (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 20:1; Union University 9:1.

Illinois vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign than Union University ($13,973 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 12% lower than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign ($12,780 vs. $14,522).
• Union University is 150.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois (about $24,021 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $16,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at Union University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (about $4,901 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $35,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 56.1% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Urbana Champaign students ($30,120 vs. $19,299).

Illinois vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (1420) is 140 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Illinois students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 1310/1520; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 30/34; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Illinois Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Illinois (3.79).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Illinois (42.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at Illinois vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Illinois vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,500 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign graduates have a $4,340 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Illinois graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($211 vs. $256).
• More Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.