University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Vibe Check
UIUC pulses with the energy of a massive, self-contained research city where Big Ten spirit meets relentless innovation. The campus buzzes with a work-hard, play-hard mentality, fueled by world-class labs by day and spirited athletics or downtown Champaign outings by night. It feels like you're at the center of everything—academically rigorous, socially vibrant, and endlessly scalable.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UIUC is an academic powerhouse, particularly renowned for its top-ranked Engineering and Computer Science programs, which are deeply integrated with cutting-edge research opportunities. The university excels across a wide range of disciplines, including Business, Agriculture, and Psychology, offering students access to expert faculty and extensive resources. Teaching quality is high, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning that prepares students for real-world challenges.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Champaign
Life in Champaign is defined by its dynamic downtown scene, which offers a plethora of independent coffee shops, live music venues, and a diverse array of restaurants and breweries. Students frequently gather at the nearby Parkland College for sporting events, explore the local arts and culture scene, or take advantage of the city's extensive park district for outdoor activities. The city's compact and bikeable layout makes it easy to explore, while the presence of a major university ensures a constant stream of events and a youthful, energetic vibe.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($81,054):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The UIUC campus and surrounding area are generally considered safe, with a visible and proactive university police presence and extensive safety resources like the Illini-Alert system. While the large student population contributes to a safe, bustling atmosphere, students should still practice standard urban awareness, especially in the downtown Champaign and Campustown areas at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-class Engineering and Computer Science programs with direct industry connections.
- ✓ Massive alumni network providing extensive internship and job opportunities.
- ✓ Vibrant Big Ten social scene with over 1,000 student organizations.
- ✓ High graduation (84.8%) and retention (94.3%) rates reflect strong student support.
Cons
- ✗ Large class sizes, especially in introductory courses, can feel impersonal.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is a significant financial barrier for non-residents.
- ✗ Winters can be long and harsh, which may be a challenge for some students.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UIUC is globally recognized as a leader in engineering, computer science, and business. It is particularly famous for its pioneering work in computer science (birthplace of the first graphical web browser, Mosaic) and its top-ranked Grainger College of Engineering. Additionally, its strong programs in agriculture, physics, and psychology, combined with its status as a major research institution, contribute to its prestigious reputation.
UIUC is a selective public university with an acceptance rate of 43.69%. While the average SAT score is 1418, admissions standards vary significantly by major. Highly competitive programs like Computer Science and Engineering have much higher average scores and lower acceptance rates. Applicants need a strong academic record, particularly in STEM courses, to be competitive.
Campus life is energetic and diverse, driven by its large student body of over 34,000. Students can immerse themselves in Big Ten athletics, join one of 1,000+ student organizations, or explore the vibrant downtown Champaign area. The campus itself is a mix of historic and modern architecture, with a sprawling green space perfect for studying or socializing. The UIUC experience is often described as a 'work hard, play hard' environment with a strong sense of community.
For most students, UIUC is an outstanding financial investment. The 10-year median earnings of $81,054 significantly outweigh the average net price of $15,201. The value is exceptionally high for in-state students due to the lower tuition, but even for out-of-state students, the prestige of its top-ranked programs and the strength of its career outcomes provide a strong return on investment over a graduate's lifetime.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1867
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 36,970
- In-State Tuition $16,004
- Out-of-State $34,501
- Zip Code 61820
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
UIUC offers an exceptional return on investment, particularly for in-state students, with a 10-year median earnings of $81,054 that far exceeds the average net price. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition is a significant investment, but the university's strong reputation, vast alumni network, and high graduation rate make it a financially sound decision for those pursuing high-demand fields like engineering and computer science. The combination of relatively low net price for many and high post-graduation earning potential solidifies its status as a top value among public universities.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.