University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs Purdue University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs Purdue University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs Purdue University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs Purdue University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs Purdue University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Choose Course ->
Purdue University
Choose Course ->
Add College

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Choose Course ->

Purdue University
Choose Course ->
Add College
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue UniversityStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
4.2 Internships
4.7 Part time work
4.3 Post study jobs
5 Quality of faculty
4.8 Student Life
View More Ratings
4.5/5
4.4 Internships
4.9 Part time work
4.7 Post study jobs
4.7 Quality of faculty
3.9 Student Life
View More Ratings
Add college to view Student's Rating
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University MS
View Detailed MS comparision ->
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University B.E. / B.Tech
View Detailed B.E. / B.Tech comparision ->
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University MBA/PGDM
View Detailed MBA/PGDM comparision ->
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University M.A.
View Detailed M.A. comparision ->
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University BBA
View Detailed BBA comparision ->
Other courses
- MEng (11 courses)
- B.Sc. (34 courses)
- BHM (1 course)
- B.A. (36 courses)
- M.Arch (11 courses)
View More course 
- B.Sc. (55 courses)
- BHM (1 course)
- B.A. (44 courses)
- Others UG (1 course)
- B.Arch (1 course)
View More course 
Add college to view Courses
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue UniversityCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1867
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
6370 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
1869
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue UniversityCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
University of Illinois Bike Tour
The Journey Is Yours | The Power Of I
The Campus Tour | Urbana-Champaign
Front View
Building
Outside view
Campus
View
Winter View
Convocation
Building
Outside view
Campus
View
Winter View
Convocation
Purdue University Introduction
Purdue Student Life
Campus Tour
University Auxiliary Housing
Introduction to Krannert School of Management
Entrance
Aerial View
Aerial View
College of Engineering
Department of Computer Science
Drug Discovery Facility
Krannert Graduate School of Management
Inside School of Management
Parrish Library
Cary Quad Residence
Housing Room
Windsor Dining CourtGet a detailed campus view, add a college
Country Facts
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on University of Illinois Urbana Champaign campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership - Batch of 2026
4.3
A big university in a small town with modern facilities.
Tips: The university is truly awesome, you don't have to worry about that. If you are looking for a calm but fun town to spend your 5 years of the Ph.D, then you are looking at the right place. It's very fresh in here. If you are expecting US city life, then you probably need to go to Chicago, which is around 3 hours away from here. There are many on-campus jobs available and even plenty of off-campus jobs as well. If you are a graduate student, it's even better because you can work with professors on their research projects. The hourly pay is also not bad as the expenses in this town are very low. Overall, I am very satisfied with the environment, people, university culture, eating out options, etc.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): In general, there are fewer immigration options in the US. Provided the current scenario, the opportunities are getting even fewer. If I get a chance to permanently immigrate to the US, I would definitely not think twice about it. But the chances are better if you are from a STEM field or Academia.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000

Keval Morabia 
Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Batch of 2020
4.5
One of the best CS grad schools where I was able to make net positive money during my Masters!
Tips: Do not let cold weather be a reason for not joining UIUC, you get used to it. Apart from the thesis, there is no difference between MS and MS programme and both are considered the same for job applications but the thesis programme helps you improve your profile by getting to work with a professor on a research project. Computer Science programme has decent TA/RA opportunities and if you get one, you get 100% fee waiver and $2500 monthly stipend which is well above the monthly expenses. Post covid, intake to the professional MS programme has significantly increased from ~60 to ~300 resulting in a lot more competition to get a TA/RA.
Likes (Quality of faculty): UIUC has some of the best faculty in Computer Science, many times professors teach content that has been published in books by themselves. UIUC has many diverse professors, a very wide choice of course selection and a lot of flexibility in choosing courses.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Since Urban-Champaign is a college town, there are not that many Indian restaurants and for people who eat Jain food, there are hardly any food options outside. But there are many events in the department buildings where you can occasionally get free Pizzas.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Akash Singh 
Master of Science in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Batch of 2022
5
Best campustown in USA which gives you most bang for your buck compared to anywhere in states
Tips: Very accommodating culture. It will be the best experience of your life. Teachers are very knowledgeable. MS programme can be tailored to your liking where you can take courses from any department without much restrictions. This happened to be the best experience of my life.
Likes (Safety): Campustown is organized in a manner where all the students converge to Green Street where we have everything needed creating an awesome environment to meet new people and have fun. Cricket lovers can join Cricket Club of Illinois for a rewarding cricket experience and tons of tournaments in summer.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Faculty is very approachable and compassionate. After first semester most Masters student can find a RA or TA position. Try to meet with the faculty and show what drives you to do research and teaching and you will get a way around. The faculty is well-educated and mostly from universities ranked above UIUC.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 62650
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.1
Most people and faculty are friendly.
Tips: Champaign is the best town to live in for those coming to the US for the first time. Pros such as low rent, a friendly campus, etc. can be of help. I availed a Research Assistantship which resulted in a tuition fee waiver. Very satisfied with my courses and the University.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.9
My Review on doing a Masters in UIUC
Tips: Since the university is in Illinois, the weather during the winters is brutal, which most Indians will find difficult to adapt to. Hence I advise you to buy proper winter clothes when winter approaches. The grocery stores on or near campus are also expensive, so you need to learn how to buy food in bulk without wasting anything. UIUC has a large diaspora of not only Indians but other nationalities as well, so socializing is necessary but not tedious. Despite this, feelings of loneliness can set in since everyone will be busy studying for their courses, which one should be prepared for.
Likes (Public transportation): The campus has a functional transportation service which is free for students of UIUC, with plenty of buses there to reach most parts of Champaign-Urban. Despite buses taking more time to reach the destination you wish to go to, the part that is already included in your tuition fees is convenient since one pays $60 as public transportation fees.
Dislikes (Value for money): Since I did my Masters in Aerospace Engineering, finding internships for myself was tedious due to ITAR. And unlike Indian institutes, we have to find internships by ourselves because most companies that come to the career fair look for US citizens only, though I would advise going to the career fair anyway to network.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
A
Ayush Sharma 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
4.3
You will be required to work hard.
Tips: UIUC is a work hard-play hard type of university. If you're into that, then definitely do apply! Also keep in mind that UIUC does not give out many scholarships to international students.
The research opportunities are great here, along with more than 1000+ clubs and organizations.
Likes (Public transportation): The bus transportation system is one of the best in the country. The bus system is free for all students, and the bus network extends beyond the campus, to the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. There are a number of buses, which means there's never a shortage or long waiting time on them. Buses are also more so generally they are quite on time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many authentic versions of Indian dishes in the dining halls. Although, you could get Indian food in restaurants outside the campus. Some days, in particular dining halls such as ISR, Indian food is provided in the form of samosas or paneer, however I wouldn't rely on the authenticity.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6516
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
R
Rishabh Asthana 
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2017
4.2
Life changing and worthwhile experience.
Tips: Before you join this university, it is important to prepare beforehand regarding the course curriculum and academic requirements. If possible, get a tour of the campus before you permanently move in and join whatever informative sessions are held. Part- time opportunities are not so great.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6700
Prepping time for classes39 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 113750
Views on Purdue University campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2025
Offered by Purdue University
4.8
Purdue has an amazing alumni network and is academically oriented.
Tips: It is initially difficult to move to a different country, and that takes time. However, with time, the university grows in you. Purdue has an amazing alumni network, so it's easy to find someone in most settings to turn to for help. It's extremely academically oriented and that's great.
Likes (Public transportation): The buses on campus are free. It is available every 30 minutes or less, mostly. The transportation between 8 AM to 10 PM is easily taken care of by the city bus system. Post that, students tend to resort to cabs. However, most establishments close at that time so it doesn’t really affect us too much.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): I personally would like to learn here and come back to India to work at some point in the future. But this depends less on the university and more on the job market and the current situation in the country. However, Purdue does have a good alumni network in most companies.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by Purdue University
4.2
Purdue has very good ranking and esteem, especially there Ms-Cs program.
Tips: One thing is to get a TA/RA/GA opportunity, as those are very few for new joiners. Start emailing professors and all departments, especially life sciences, for an RA, as soon as you confirm your admission, for the potential availability of positions. One good thing about CS students is that they can work at any department as software requirements are everywhere. These opportunities (TA/RA/GA) come with a fee-waiver and give a good salary every month! Purdue gets good funding. Also, if you see that you are not getting any assistantships, then you can apply for other hourly-paying on campus jobs on Purdue's career page, but these don't have a fee waiver. Purdue's MS-CS course can be very stressful if you don't select the courses wisely. At least in the 1st semester, do not go for difficult courses as we are mostly setting down. Don't just take a difficult course to try things. We want to get internships in the 1st year and a job in the 2nd year. That is why, don't overload yourself, as you might spend time doing on-campus jobs, home chores, etc. Buy second-hand stuff such as a table/chair/ other furniture from Purdue Surplus or join housing groups. People moving out give their stuff for free many times.
Likes (Safety): The area around Purdue (West Lafayette) is very safe. I have come home at 10-11 pm with public transport. The city buses are quite reliable and run after hours, at which the one I take (4B). There are emergency poles around the campus, where there seems to be a button to press in case of emergencies. Also, I see police vans standing around the campus as well.
Dislikes (Student Life): There are some good things that go on at campus, but graduate students are given too many loads that they cannot really enjoy the other things happening around. At least I can say that about MS-CS students. There are Indian communities on campus, who arrange good events and we enjoy those twice or thrice a year.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 800
Prepping time for classes36 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75000
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Batch of 2027
Offered by Purdue University
4.2
Mixed opinions about the University but grateful for the experiences.
Tips: Honesty, Purdue's quality has severely gone down over the years and it does not make sense to come here without scholarships. From a networking and opportunities point of view, Purdue is an ideal place and it is very safe and student-friendly. But if you are getting a higher-ranked university, I suggest you go for that.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5325
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92925
A
Ashish Sagar 
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Purdue University
4.2
It is a great Engineering University with lots of resources and opportunities.
Tips: It is a top Engineering school with a lot of resources available for everything. It has fast flexibility in coursework and a good policy for internships, so look out for internship opportunities. There are funding opportunities, but they might be restricted in some departments. It is a good college town where everything is built for and around Purdue.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1075
Prepping time for classes14 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 79825
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by Purdue University
4.5
Purdue Masters - Worth the money and your time
Tips: It’s going to be very competitive. Students should be prepared for that. Not much cultural shift as there are a lot of Indians here. The syllabus is advanced, we can learn a lot here. A lot of companies hire exclusively from Purdue, but currently, the job market is down for everybody.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101400
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
Offered by Purdue University
4
Really good public university, you get to learn a lot!
Tips: Purdue provides fee waiver for research assistant and teaching assistant position in MSCS. This is a really good opportunity for graduate and Ph.D. students. All the seems that we work as a TA/RA fee would be waived. I feel being a TA by teaching and assisting undergrad students during labs and office hours was a great experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1150
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
T
Tanmay Nahar 
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Batch of 2022
Offered by Purdue University
4.5
A place to grow in your career.
Tips: If you are here, make sure you enjoy as much as you can. You will need funding for this course so start applying for loans etc as soon as possible, because by the time you come to campus, it might be too late. You can also find some on campus jobs as part-time work so do not restrict yourself, there is nothing wrong in doing part-time job.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1170
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80585
M
Madhur Goenka 
Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management - Batch of 2023
Offered by Purdue University
4.8
A great place to study and propel your career
Tips: Though best known for its engineering programs, Purdue University offers a wide range of other courses to choose from which are equally good. The faculty here is world class. People in Indiana are nice and overall it's a homely vibe. Winters do get really cold though.
Likes (Public transportation): Fairly well connected by the city's public bus transportation system. Their app is also nice which gives real-time update on the location and schedule of the buses. Purdue students can ride free by showing their university ID card. Uber and Lyft are also available.
Dislikes (Student Life): Purdue University is in West Lafayette which is a small student town in Northern Indiana. Being a small town, the options for students to hang out becomes limited to only a few good places. Being said that though the places which are here are not at all bad just that more options would have been nicer.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 798
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100014
K
Komal Chhajer 
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2024
Offered by Purdue University
5
Purdue university offers great faculty for engineering.
Tips: The college and the town West Lafayette is quite student-friendly. You will have the time of your life here. Transportation is free completely for students and you keep getting freebies in college. The quality of education is unmatched. Professors are quite approachable. Surely value for money.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Student life is amazing here because of the tight-knit cohort. It is a small cohort, that is why everybody is connected and shares a good bond. There are several activities to do and sports to play. There are several events in college going on all the time.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Faculty are very knowledgeable. They teach very well and quality education is received. They have a good grip on courses and are experts in their field. There are many Indian professors in Business school, Krannert school of management. They are approachable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 688
Prepping time for classes16 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 86990
D
Divyanshi 
Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management - Batch of 2027
Offered by Purdue University
3.9
Very fulfilling experience.
Tips: I've come to really enjoy college life more than I anticipated. The professors are excellent but busy, so attend their office hours if you're struggling, or you'll fall behind. People are polite but also private, so respect that, and you'll be fine. Pack some essentials from home, like spices or specific cravings that you might not find here. My multi-purpose kettle has been very useful. The coursework is demanding from day one.
Dislikes (Value for money): Purdue is a relatively expensive school for the average student, but it's worthwhile with financial aid and scholarships. Considering the quality of education and professors, tuition is decent, but living costs can add up.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1975
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
A
Anonymous
BSc in Applied Physics - Batch of 2022
Offered by Purdue University
3.8
Interesting and an insightful experience
Tips: It is important to be flexible in your approach before you commit to studying full time. You will have to be self reliant and equipped in terms of taking care of yourself while ensuring that you spend adequate time on campus as well. This will be helpful in being a part of the community.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5925
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 114275
Add college to view Student's Review
Similar colleges 👇
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, USAPublic
₹ 29.56 L - 71.5 L
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, USAPublic
₹ 12.94 L - 57.71 L
University College Cork
Cork, IrelandPublic
₹ 9.91 L - 53.4 L
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast, UKPublic
₹ 10.31 L - 48.68 L
The University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, USAPublic
₹ 14.63 L - 52.46 L
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, USAPublic
₹ 1.15 L - 46.93 L
Coventry University
Coventry, UKPublic
₹ 4.8 L - 27.04 L
The Ohio State University
Columbus, USAPublic
₹ 9.22 L - 72.03 L
University of Geneva
Geneva, SwitzerlandPublic
₹ 1.12 L
University of Washington
Seattle, USAPublic
₹ 7.15 L - 65.35 L
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue UniversityRank Comparison
Ranks
Want to save this comparison?
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s Purdue University Popular & recent articles
USA
Raushan Kumar · Sep 11, 2025

Aishwarya Bhatnagar · Sep 19, 2025

Aishwarya Bhatnagar · Sep 8, 2025
43 views

View all News & Updates
