University of Illinois or Purdue?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi, senior here trying to figure out what I’m doing for the next four years in the next 3 weeks!!

I am accepted into both UIUC and Purdue as an undeclared engineering student, and I have also been admitted to the honors program at each. I was hoping for some input that might help me see this decision in new light and actually figure out where I want to go.

So far, I have visited both as a prospective and an admitted student. Purdue seems to have a much prettier campus, but it is out of state for me and UIUC is in state. When all financial aid from each is said and done, Purdue will be $4-6,000 more expensive for year-- considerably less than the $10,000 initial difference between UIUC and Purdue, but still significant.

They’re both good schools academically, and so far that hasn’t been helpful to differentiate between the two. Foreign language and study abroad is also important to me and they both offer similar programs and opportunities where that is concerned, both have engineering-specific study abroad type options too.

One thing that might be important is their marching band programs. I hope to get involved, but auditions were at the start of this month for UIUC and since I still haven’t decided that ship has sailed, but I would still have the potential to participate at Purdue. Additionally, Purdue doesn’t offer a music major so their band is totally volunteer based, which is neat. I am also reluctant to participate in marching band at either school because they are both Big 10 schools so it would be a massive time commitment and I am concerned about finding a balance between that and schoolwork. At the same time, band has been a major part of my life so far and I really appreciate the relationships it fosters.

On both of my visits, Purdue also seemed more involved in outreach and seeming home-y; they put more effort into treating you like a person, but UIUC was more aloof, which for me raises some concerns about to what extent they see the person and not just a number since the school is quite large.

That’s my thought process so far. I would really appreciate any help or guidance you have with this, and if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them! Thank you so much!! :slight_smile:

2

Unless you really, really like Purdue, UIUC is a higher ranked school and likely has better outcomes for your intended major. It is also cheaper. Go with UIUC.

3

Are you undeclared engineering in CoE at UIUC or DGS? Also, I know a couple people who joined the marching band sophomore year.

4

UIUC is considered better. But if you liked Purdue then you should go there. Ultimately it depends on your preference and the outcome depends on your accomplishments at school.

5

I wouldn’t pay more for PU.

Are you guaranteed an engineering major at PU? I’m pretty certain “Engineering Undecided” is guaranteed any engineering major at UIUC (which is why it’s one of the toughest majors to get in to there).

6

I am surprise to hear Purdue has a prettier campus. We really like the UIUC engineering campus a lot more than Purdue. Note that not only the initial cost at Purdue is higher, the difference will be bigger year by year as UIUC would fix your tuition rate for 4 years.

7

Regarding UIUC engineering undeclared, see https://engineering.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate/first-year-engineering-undeclared.html .

Seems like getting your first choice engineering major is not guaranteed, but much more likely than if you enter UIUC as non-engineering undeclared.

Here is what Purdue says about getting into an engineering major: https://engineering.purdue.edu/ENE/Academics/FirstYear/T2M

It indicates that some engineering majors admit any who earn a 2.00 GPA, but some others may have higher thresholds in competitive admission.

8

literallymarx:
Undeclared in the CoE. I don’t own the instrument I would march with, so I would also have to invest in that. Marching band seems like a great network for support and for fun, but there’s probably other clubs I could find that in too.

9

PurpleTitan:
Yes, I am guaranteed an engineering major at Purdue, I am not guaranteed a spot in any specific discipline though. So Mechanical Engineering, for instance, is a popular choice and may be difficult to get into. That’s technically the same basic situation at UIUC, but there’s only 100 undecided CoE students as opposed to all the freshmen coming in undeclared like Purdue.

10

ucbalumnus:
Purdue actually has a tuition freeze now as well if I am not mistaken, but the $4-6k a year is definitely considerable over 4 years.

11

Congrats! You have two great options. Great engineering programs at both. Purdue out-ranks UIUC in some engineering majors, while UIUC out-ranks Purdue in others. But both are highly ranked in ALL engineering disciplines.

Purdue does have a beautiful campus. It’s much more compact and has fewer students. UIUC’s campus is more spread out and there are more students. Purdue is a more conservative campus. The UIUC student body and administration seems more liberal to me. There are many other differences, besides cost, that you may want to keep in mind in making your decision. But if you have to go with the less expensive option, at least it is a great school.

I, too, was in state for UIUC but chose Purdue. No regrets! I loved Purdue, but most of my HS friends went to UIUC and loved it there. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice! (But… Hail Purdue! Just saying’!)