The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a renowned public research university located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. The university offers a dynamic and vibrant academic environment that fosters a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration.
UIUC offers diverse academic programs and an engaging campus life. UIUC has a rich history and the institution has rightfully earned its reputation as a premier institution, nurturing generations of accomplished scholars, innovators, and leaders. As a thriving center of knowledge and discovery, UIUC continues to shape the future and contribute to global progress.
Location
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a sprawling 6,370-acre (2,578 ha) campus with a variety of architectural styles, green spaces, and landmarks. The campus is divided into four main quads, each with its unique character. Beyond the quads, the UIUC campus is home to several notable landmarks, including the monumental Memorial Stadium, the Gothic Revival Altgeld Hall, the modern Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and the Arboretum, which features over 1,500 different species of trees and plants. The UIUC campus is a place where students can explore their interests, grow intellectually, and make lifelong connections.
Student Cohort Size
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has 34,500 undergraduate and 20,500 graduate students. The admitted students represent 50 U.S. states and 126 countries. 45% of the students are women and 55% are men.
Four-Year Completion Rate
The graduation rate is among the most important factors when selecting a college. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s first-year retention rate is 94%. This means that 94% of first-year students continue their education for their sophomore year and beyond. The 4-year graduation rate is 70%. This implies that 70% of students were able to graduate after 4 years. The 6-year graduation rate is 85%. This implies that 85% of students were able to graduate after 6 years.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 18 to 1, and 38% of UIUC classes have fewer than 20 students.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s overall acceptance rate is 44%. Computer science has the lowest acceptance rate of all majors, at just 6.7%.
Acceptance GPA
The average high school GPA of admitted students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 3.7 or higher.
Types of Admission
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign applicants can apply through the Early Action or Regular Decision programs. Early Action is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that may be an attractive option for those who feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. Regular Decision is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that allows students more time to complete the application and to have grades from the first term of their senior year considered in the review.
Application Components
Complete the online application through myIllini or the Common App.
Official high school transcript: List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript.
Standardized Test Scores: While test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and fall 2024, the average SAT scores for admitted students were between 1400 and 1530, and the average ACT scores were between 31 and 34.
Major-Specific Prompts: You’ll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you’ll answer will depend on whether you’re applying to a major or an undeclared program, and if you’ve selected a second choice. Each response should be approximately 150 words.
If You’re Applying to a Major:
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Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.
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Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.
If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies:
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What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering.
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What are your future academic or career goals?
If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):
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Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.
Academics
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offers more than 150 undergraduate and over 100 graduate and professional programs, covering a wide range of disciplines.
UIUC’s major academic units are:
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences addresses vital issues in agriculture and the environment. The college offers programs in areas such as agricultural economics, animal sciences, crop sciences, environmental science, and food science.
College of Applied Health Sciences focuses on improving health and well-being. The college offers programs in areas such as athletic training, dietetics, health education, nursing, and public health.
Gies College of Business prepares students for success in the corporate world. The college offers programs in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management.
College of Education emphasizes cutting-edge teaching methods and research. The college offers programs in areas such as early childhood education, educational psychology, and special education.
Grainger College of Engineering stands at the forefront of technological advancements. The college offers programs in areas such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.
College of Fine and Applied Arts fosters creativity and artistic expression. The college offers programs in areas such as art history, dance, music, and theater.
Division of General Studies provides students with flexibility and exploration opportunities. This division offers a variety of courses that allow students to explore their interests and develop their skills.
Graduate College offers a wide range of advanced degree programs. This college offers programs in areas such as business, education, engineering, and the social sciences.
School of Labor and Employment Relations focuses on the dynamics of the workforce. The school offers programs in areas such as labor economics, human resources, and organizational behavior.
College of Law equips students for legal careers. The college offers a Juris Doctor degree program and a variety of other legal programs.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a broad spectrum of liberal arts education. The college offers programs in areas such as English, history, philosophy, and the sciences.
School of Information Sciences explores the dynamic field of information studies. The school offers programs in areas such as information science, library science, and telecommunications.
College of Media cultivates expertise in media and communications. The college offers programs in areas such as advertising, journalism, and public relations.
Carle Illinois College of Medicine innovates at the intersection of medicine and engineering. The college offers a medical degree program and a variety of other medical programs.
School of Social Work addresses critical social issues. The school offers a Master of Social Work degree program and a variety of other social work programs.
College of Veterinary Medicine advances animal health and welfare. The college offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program and a variety of other veterinary programs.
Most Popular Majors
Research and Experimental Psychology
Economics
Computer Hardware Engineering
Statistics
Accounting
Cellular Biology
Communications
Computer Science
Finance
Political Science and Government
Cost of Attendance
Illinois Resident
Illinois Resident
- Tuition & Fees:$17,640-$22,904
- Food & Housing:$14,522
- Books & Supplies:$1,200
- Other Expenses:$2,500
Total: $35,862-$41,126
Non-Resident
Non-Resident
- Tuition & Fees:$36,760-$44,664
- Food & Housing:$14,522
- Books & Supplies:$1,200
- Other Expenses:$2,840
Total: $55,322-$63,226
International
International
- Tuition & Fees:$37,708-$47,796
- Food & Housing:$14,522
- Books & Supplies:$1,200
- Other Expenses:$2,840
Total: $56,270-$66,358
UIUC Traditions
Homecoming: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is rumored to be the birthplace of the Homecoming tradition, which began over 100 years ago. Today, Homecoming is one of the biggest events on campus, drawing alumni, students, and fans from all over the world. The first Homecoming at UIUC was held in 1910, and it was a modest affair. However, the event quickly grew in popularity, and by the 1920s, it had become a major celebration. Homecoming now features a variety of events, including a football game, a parade, a pep rally, and a variety of social events.
Altgeld Chimes: The Altgeld Chimes are a 15-bell instrument located in Altgeld Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. In addition to marking the time, the chimes also hold concerts every weekday after lunchtime. These concerts feature a variety of music, including traditional college songs, popular music, and even movie themes. So whether you’re a fan of “Hail to the Orange” or “Hey Jude,” you’re sure to find something to enjoy at an Altgeld Chimes concert.
Lincoln’s Nose: The bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln that sits near the entrance of Lincoln Hall is known for its shiny, golden nose. This is because students have been rubbing it for good luck before taking exams for many years. The tradition is said to have started in the early 1900s, and it has continued ever since. The nose has become so polished from all the rubbing that it is now a different color than the rest of the bust. This has led to some people calling it “Lincoln’s Lucky Nose.” If you’re ever feeling nervous before an exam, be sure to stop by Lincoln Hall and give Lincoln’s nose a rub. Who knows, it might just bring you some good luck!
