ilsox7, you don't believe there's a difference (and neither do I) but some applicants might. Plus, I'm also just trying to point out that, unlike Wisconsin, UIUC will not be making these gradual drops a habit.
Jmille11, for Philly, probably not. but if you were sure you wanted a Midwest market, then yeah, I'd take the full-ride at Illinois. I personally think Burgh should consider the partial ride.
Seriously Burgh, NU might seem sexier now because it's a top-14. But in 5 years when your in a Chicago law firm as an associate sitting the next office offer from an Illinois grad. in your same position, with the same pay, and half the debt, you wish you went to UIUC. It's not like UIUC is laughed at in Chicago. NU's peer assessment score in the latest rankings was a 4.2. UIUC's was a 3.7. That's as big a difference between UIUC and Fordham (at 3.2). I know that's a partially flawed stat, but so is the whole damn list.