Is UIUC worth it when having to pay-out of-state tuition?

[sphysics]

I am currently applying to undergraduate physics programs, and am deciding between the University of Virginia and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am in-state in Virginia, so UVA is much cheaper, but after visiting both schools, I was really impressed with UIUC (and slightly underwhelmed by UVA).

I understand that graduate school is much more important for long-term success in physics, so it may not be worth it to spend more for a bachelor's degree. However, UIUC has double the faculty of UVA and I am wondering if all the opportunities there would help me find better undergraduate research opportunities, as well as attracting better guest speakers and creating a more exciting atmosphere. While a rational cost-benefit analysis probably shows the price of UIUC not to be worth it, there are so many intangible benefits of UIUC that I am worried that I would regret not going there.

I would appreciate any advice on whether UIUC is "worth it" over UVA for physics, as well as general thoughts about the quality of the programs at UVA and UIUC.

 

[Vanadium 50]

You have correctly concluded UIUC is bigger. Is it better? That kind of cuts both ways. More faculty, but more students seeking their attention. Whether it's worth it depends pn the cost differential and how much that money means to you.

 

[Choppy]

It sounds to me like you already have an answer and you're just searching for specific reasons to justify attending the more expensive school. If you can't specifically articulate what these are with a reasonable effort in searching, it's probably not worth it.

Another way to look at this is whether or not the cheaper option will provide you with a sufficient education. Are its graduates getting into grad school? Are students involved in research you find interesting? Are they developing practical skill sets? What happens to students that don't go on to graduate school? Where are they ending up?

 

[sphysics]

Thank you both for your replies.

For Vanadium 50's points:
I agree that the fact that UIUC is bigger is a large part of many of the things which I like about it, but that does come with some advantages like more research opportunities. However, I will definitely consider your points about the number of students.

For Choppy's points:
I would not say that I already have come to a conclusion, though I definitely am attracted by the quality of UIUC's department. People at UVA told me around 1 person gets into a "top" graduate program each year, while UIUC had a lot of data which showed that several of their students get into top programs each year. Also, UIUC has a much greater percentage of students who are choosing to go to graduate school than UVA, which also appeals to me.

Thanks for your responses and I would also be interested if anyone had personal experience with the physics departments at UIUC or UVA.

 

[Vanadium 50]

People at UVA told me around 1 person gets into a "top" graduate program each year, while UIUC had a lot of data which showed that several of their students get into top programs each year.

But they graduate 2-3 times as many majors, You're also chasing small statistics and the definition of "top".

I think you want to look past the statistics and ask yourself where do you think you would do best.

 

[hutchphd]

By my estimation UVa in-state is one of the great educational bargains in the country. I think you will find the average UVa undergrad to be a cut above the average UIUC undergrad. There are also a number of Honors programs for outstanding students. I would strongly recommend UVa and take it upon yourself to be outstanding.

/

 

[TeethWhitener]

Both have top-notch physics programs with plenty of opportunities for undergrad involvement in research (and probably teaching as well). Whether you go to UVA or UIUC isn’t going to be the deciding factor on your grad school application. It probably won’t be a factor at all, to be honest.

 

[gwnorth]

Not sure how much it would be an issue for you as an undergrad, but in case you weren't aware, there's currently a job action happening at UIUC. Grad students are on strike for the 2nd time since 2019. Grad students apparently fill in for a lot of faculty and admin so their working conditions might affect the quality of services you would receive there.

https://www.science.org/content/article/illinois-graduate-students-strike