Harvard vs. UIUC

Attribute	Harvard	UIUC
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts	Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Established	1636	1867
Endowment	$40.9 billion	$3.2 billion
Undergraduate Enrollment	6,788	33,932
Graduate Enrollment	13,120	16,743

Location

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. The campus is situated in a bustling urban area with easy access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and public transportation. In contrast, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is located in a more rural setting in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. The campus is surrounded by farmland and offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.

Academic Reputation

Harvard is widely regarded as one of the top universities in the world, known for its rigorous academics and prestigious faculty. The university has a long history of producing successful alumni in various fields, including politics, business, and academia. UIUC, while also a highly respected institution, does not have the same level of global recognition as Harvard. However, UIUC is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and agriculture.

Campus Life

Harvard's campus is known for its historic buildings, lush green spaces, and vibrant student life. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to get involved in. UIUC, on the other hand, has a more modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse student population. The university also has a strong Greek life presence and a thriving sports culture.

Admissions

Harvard is known for its highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 5%. The university looks for students who have excelled academically, demonstrated leadership potential, and shown a commitment to community service. UIUC, while still competitive, has a higher acceptance rate of around 60%. The university considers a variety of factors in the admissions process, including GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Cost

Attending Harvard is expensive, with tuition, fees, and room and board totaling over $70,000 per year. However, the university offers generous financial aid packages to students who demonstrate financial need. UIUC, while still costly, is more affordable than Harvard, with tuition and fees for in-state students totaling around $15,000 per year. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of attendance.

Alumni Network

Harvard boasts an impressive alumni network that includes numerous world leaders, Nobel laureates, and successful entrepreneurs. The university's alumni are known for their influence and impact in various industries around the world. UIUC also has a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to successful careers in fields such as technology, engineering, and business. The university's alumni are known for their innovation and leadership in their respective fields.