Founded in 1867, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 33,932 full time undergraduate students, and 13,019 full time graduate students.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 20:1. There are 2248 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
60%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
1285-1480
ACT Range
26-32
Admissions at UI are considered Selective, with ,285% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 90% were in the top quarter, and 52% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
1%
“We”re apathetic”
24%
“We know about current events and vote”
59%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
16%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
16%
“I only go out in groups”
47%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
35%
“I feel extremely safe”
7%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
27%
“We bought the gear”
66%
“We live for the big game”
4%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
65%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
66%
“They keep regular office hours”
23%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
9%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
69%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
21%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
506 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
346 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
505 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
519 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
520 Students rated class size 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
517 Students rated school activities 4.4 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
519 Students rated local services 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
520 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
189 Students rated University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jordan
Prospective05/04/2025
UIUC is my top college choice for the Fall of 2026. The diversity of people, activities, and organizations has left a lasting impression on me. Needless to say, they have one of the best Social Work programs in the nation. This is the best institution for me to learn, grow, and develop my skills to become a voice for the voiceless.
Gavin
Prospective05/04/2025
I was definitely really strongly drawn to the U of I in my college search. Beyond it being my in-state public university, it has an incredible mechanical engineering college which drew me in as that is what I intend to major in. Additionally, they advertised what seems like a well-rounded study abroad program that seems like it's capable of sending me anywhere in the world. There are loads of clubs for any hobby you could possibly have(for me that would be cars and racing as well as running and soccer). Even if some of the buildings seem worn down the overwhelming voice from students seems to be that they love it there, so I am pretty excited to go and feel the same.
Emma
Prospective04/30/2025
I have always wanted to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, it has been my dream school since I was a child. It has always stood out to me as a place of opportunity and as an institution where I could complete my education and fulfill my life long goals and passions. As a Social Work major, their program is the best fit for me out of all the universities I have researched. It offers a close community where I would be able to develop relationships with all of my classmates and professors. The internship opportunities for social workers in the Urbana-Champaign area are bountiful and align with my career goals. Another favorite aspect of mine is the opportunities to develop your own community outside of your major. There are hundreds of clubs and activities where I could meet and cultivate new relationships with people from all walks of life. I've always appreciated diversity and inclusion and the university has plenty of options in which I could engage with those different from me.
Sebastian
Prospective04/30/2025
I have good memories from UIUC when attending state competitions for my science Olympiad team. I also have many friends and classmates attending this school which makes it appealing.
Gabriella
Prospective04/29/2025
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has always stood out to me as a place where I can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Having attended tennis camp at UIUC three times, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience the campus firsthand. Each visit reinforced my admiration for the vibrant community, the balance of rigorous academics and athletics, and the energy that fills every corner of the university.
As an upcoming freshman, what draws me most to UIUC is that it truly has it all—outstanding academics, incredible sports programs, and a beautiful campus that inspires growth and exploration. I plan to major in chemistry, and the university’s reputation for excellence in STEM excites me. Beyond academics, UIUC’s large size ensures that I don’t have to choose between my passions. From joining Women in STEM clubs and participating in club tennis to volunteering and engaging in meaningful research, I know I’ll find ample opportunities to pursue everything I love without compromise.
UIUC is a place where I can immerse myself in a supportive and innovative environment that fosters learning and connection. Whether it’s experimenting in labs, participating in campus activities, or meeting people who share my enthusiasm for service, I know UIUC is where I’m meant to be.
Sean
Prospective04/29/2025
I want to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because of how expansive its campus and opportunities are. Rather, it's their countless student clubs and project teams or their well-known academics. I want to join the Baja or F1 project teams since it seems like an opportunity of a lifetime. I personally think the engineering program is the main reason for my desire to go into engineering. Their top-ranked aeronautical engineering program is something I would dream of being a part of.
Scott
Prospective04/28/2025
It is one of the only schools in the country with my desired major of Lighting Design, particularly theatrical lighting design. Beyond that, a number of my family members have gone there in the past few generations and all have had an amazing time. I also wanted a school as large as possible without actually being within a city (i.e. UW-Madison and University of Illinois Chicago). Urbana and Champaign also have amazing opportunities all around, so I know that I will never be bored there.
Andrew
College04/23/2025
UIUC is a great college especially with the iMBA Program. The professors are great especially for marketing and leadership courses as they are my favorite.
Aidan
Prospective04/22/2025
I was drawn to UIUC because I wasn't really sure what I wanted my college experience to look like, and I'm still not one hundred percent sure what I want my college life to look like. But I think that UIUC has the perfect balance of social life and opportunities to learn. The learning part especially, as UIUC has thousands of programs to me to learn from, especially all of the study abroad options, that's something I've always been interested in and I was especially attracted to that at UIUC.
Julie
College04/19/2025
Overall, I am pretty satisfied with the quality of education I am getting.
Alayna
04/19/2025
Great school to attend. Has a very lively atmosphere because of the large student body size. People have tons of school spirit when it comes to sporting events, and there are plenty of academically inclined students who appreciate intellectual conversations when someone is searching for it.
Victor
Prospective04/15/2025
I really like UIUC because it just seems cool for engineering and all that Besides it's like one of the best schools to study engineering. I mean, I want to work on building defense jets or something awesome like that, and UIUC has a pretty good reputation for engineering. They have all these labs, classes, and projects that get you hands on experience. It’s like a place where you can really learn how to build the stuff you see in movies, which is super exciting.
Besides the academics, the campus vibe is pretty chill. There are many different people from everywhere, and everyone seems to get along well. Whether you’re into serious study or just hanging out and trying out new clubs, UIUC offers many ways to get involved. They have tons of clubs, sports, and events where you can meet people and learn new things outside the classroom.
For me it’s not just about getting a degree It’s about joining a community that’s that has the same energy about learning and working together. At UIUC, I can see myself growing as a person while I learn more about engineering, making friends, and even having some fun along the way. In short, UIUC isn’t just a college—it’s a place where I think I can have an initiative to my future in a big and exciting way.
Mia
Prospective04/15/2025
I am interested in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because of it's inviting atmosphere and refined educational programs. As a junior I was unsure of where I envisioned myself the following year. But when I learned about the life on campus at UIUC and the business program, I was hooked. Although it's competitive this is what pushed me and helped me apply myself as a student. I knew I wanted to be a part of the Illini community. After plenty of visits, it inly confirmed my desire to be an Illinois student. Each person on campus was beyond welcoming and willing to help anytime I had questions or concerns. And that is exactly what stood out to me, the positive environment and outlook that radiated from the students!
Noela
Prospective04/09/2025
I want to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because it offers an exceptional architecture program that will allow me to pursue my passion for sustainable design. The university’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and collaboration excites me, as it provides the foundation to tackle real-world challenges. Other than academics, what truly stands out is the vibrant campus culture and diverse community at UIUC. I’m drawn to the unique and collaborative environment, where students from various backgrounds come together to share ideas and grow. I look forward to being part of that dynamic atmosphere, where people from all over the world can come together as one big community. Overall, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign completely lives up to its prestige, whether academically or socially.
Genevieve
Prospective04/06/2025
The enticing and welcoming campus as well as the upscale academics make it one of my top choices.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 60%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Simply put, college is the best thing that has ever happened to me (I intend to use this phrase with the upmost emphasis) when one is to consider where I have come from. Coming from a gang infested neighborhood where one is expected to indulge and be influenced by negative and suggestive exemplifactions everywhere, one would have most likely expected me to fall short of any positive opportunity. Fortunately that has not been the case at all. Being the self -motivated individual that I am and still becoming, I have ignored all obstacle that would deter me from experiencing the many joys of college.
Here at the U of I I have gotten the chance to be surrounded by individuals with goals and passions similar and different from my own, and this has been extraordinarily valuable to me . Merely being around individual with a drive to be positive, intelligent, and successful has motivated me to volunteer, study hard, make friends all for the goal of becoming a better person. College is the piece of the puzzle that my neighborhood lacked, and because of my experience here thus far, I am and will forever be truly thankful.
Depending on the major, the majority of the students here are career-driven and hardworking (although uncaring students aren't too hard to come by, either).
I love that it is a college bubble. I love that the students live here, work here, play here, etc. Your friends are always going to be within a ten minute bus ride of you.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The limitless resources at hand whether it comes to undergraduate/graduate research, general studying, or job searches make this school unique. The opportunities for intellectual development are given to everybody and everybody has a chance to shine.
Academics are rigorous at the University. Not just anybody can get in. Professors challenge you so that you have an idea of what will happen in the real-world as well as give you unique perspectives.
Diversity and opportunity. Beyond the classroom, there are many different enlightening pathways and experiences a student can explore and undertake. The plethora of international students and the variety of social differences, coupled with the hundreds of organizations and groups to get involved with molds into a unique college experience. There are ways for every type of personality to connect with others and experience new adventures that they may have never done before college. It makes college not only a typical classroom learning experience, but also a foundation for real world and personal development.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I would of known more about the different opportunities on campus that are offered to Black students. I also wish I would of had more guidance on filling out applications because books alone cost a lot of money. I also wish that I knew more about the campus period because there are many opportunities out there that I did not know about because I did not know much about the campus. Before I came to this school I also wish I would of knew how much tuition was and waht it went towards.
A person who is academically focused, and has a good study ethic but also wants to have fun. It is very important to study hard, but there are also many opportunites to have fun a take a break from studying.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
The biggest stereotype about the University is that many departments accept more freshmen than there are resources for seniors and most 100-level courses are weed-out courses to encourage only the best freshmen to continue on in this major. It's also commonly known as a huge, impersonal university that really leaves the new students to fend for themselves after the orientations and welcome-to-campus clinics are over. Students really don't want to get sick here - the health clinic called McKinley is commonly referred to as McKillMe because they almost always make incorrect diagnoses.
The students are known to be party-animals. Indeed, even the strictest students who vowed in high school to never, ever drink in college end up partying a lot here. The administration claims that only a small number of underage students actually drink, but I do not know many underage students who have never been to a bar. Personally, I do not drink much because I really try to get as good of grades as possible, and I can honestly say there is not much to do here unless you are into partying. It's not just an excuse - there's really nothing to do on campus on the weekends except binge drink. Most students go out several weekends a month. Many students here are from the rich suburbs of Chicago and as freshmen, they think they are something really special because many went to some of the best high schools in the country. But then, once they've been through all the weed-out courses (usually by the end of their sophomore year), they tend to realize they're no better than anyone else here. The engineers here have it SO easy - they have their own little campus, they live in their own little world, and they are treated like gold. For example, engineers complained that the intro level chemistry courses should not have organic chemistry sections because engineers are never required to take an organic chemistry course - and so now the curriculum for these courses is changing to get rid of the organic sections. If any other student complained about this, a curriculum change would NEVER happen.
The campus. It is absolutely beautiful. The people are friendly, we have a building modeled off of a German castle so it feels like Hogwarts, we're pretty close to the best in everything we do and there are SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES!!! One of the best parts of going to such a large University is the number of opportunities available to you. If you can't find something that fits your needs or desires (which is hard to do) they will find a way to let you create something for you. It allows you to really make your education mold to your own needs.
U of I has one of the largest (I believe it is THE largest) Greek presence in the country. There are plenty of people on campus who rush and join sororities and fraternities. For the people who find an interest in this, there are plenty of options. However, if this isn't your scene, it isn't looked down upon in any means. There are plenty of things to do that aren't "Greek". Greek life is fairly normal, I think - they have parties, they have the big houses on campus, they all wear their letters everyday. If it's your thing, you can find a house that fits your personality.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
63% of students attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive some sort of financial aid.
22% were awarded federal grants.39%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
