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College comparison
SMU vs Illinois
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  SMU Dallas, TX |  Illinois Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more selective | 63% | 42% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1340–1490 | 1310–1520 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,277 | 36,258 |
| Avg net price | $40,892 | $14,355 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Illinois reports higher median earnings | $78,354 | $81,054 |
| Graduation rate | 84% | 85% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Public |
Quick answers
- Is Southern Methodist University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign harder to get into?
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more selective: Southern Methodist University's acceptance rate is approximately 63% and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's is approximately 42% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 1310–1520 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.