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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (University of Illinois or UIUC) is a public, land grant research institution located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. Founded in 1867, it is now the flagship for the University of Illinois system. The school is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States. Students receive transformative learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom, to better prepare them to make a significant impact on society as a whole.


Overview of University of Illinois (UIUC)


The institution strives to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. It was ranked as the #13 public university and #41 national university by the US News & World Report Rankings for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The total student population is 56,916, with 35,120 enrolled in undergraduate programs. The University of Illinois employs approximately 2,500 full-time and 864 part-time faculty members, most of whom focus exclusively on instruction. Approximately 636, however, perform research and public service for the institution. Overall, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1, which is a little higher than the national average. The university also maintains 5,805 graduate assistants. Of these, 2,880 provide instructional support and 2,925 perform research.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 20:1
Graduation Rate 85%
Year Founded 1868

Student Enrollment


Total Students56,916

Undergraduate
35,120
Graduate
21,796

Undergraduate Student

Male 18,314
18,314
Female 15,601
15,601

Graduate Student

Male 8,525
8,525
Female 7,262
7,262

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Top Rankings For University of Illinois


UIUC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATION43,509

Male 24,316
Female 19,193

ACCEPTANCE25,670

Male 13,131
Female 12,475

Acceptance Rate59%

Male 54%
Female 65%

Enrollment 7,701

Male 4,077
Female 3,624
Admissions
Application Fee $50
High School GPA N/A
High School Rank Considered but not Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Considered but not Required
Application Deadline January 5
Common Application Accepted No

UIUC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The exact amount students will pay when attending the University of Illinois depends on major, residency, living situation, meal plan, and overall lifestyle. State residents can expect to pay between $17,138 and $22,324 in undergraduate tuition and related fees during the 2022-2023 academic year. Non-residents, on the other hand will be charged between $34,110 and $42,796 in tuition and fees for the same time period. Notably, the University of Illinois does offer a tuition guarantee. This ensures students pay the same amount for tuition each year.

Prospective students must also anticipate paying for books, supplies, transportation, housing, and food. The University of Illinois estimates the cost of room and board will be $12,720 per academic year. It’s important to realize, however, that rates vary depending on the housing and meal options selected. Additionally, based on institutional recommendations, those enrolled should anticipate spending $1,200 on books and supplies, and another $2,500 on other expenses.

The University of Illinois allows students to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institution uses this document to prepare financial aid award packages, which may include scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. During the 2020-2021 academic year, 85% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at the university received some form of financial assistance. Of those, 34% required some amount of financial assistance from student loans.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $14,544
Average Total Aid $16,552
Students Receiving Financial Aid 64%
Room & Board $12,720

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $15,714
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $33,686
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board - $12,720
  • Other - $2,500

Popular Academic Programs at UIUC


The University of Illinois provides students with transformative educational experiences in the classroom, the surrounding community, and around the globe. Graduates leave campus with the skills, knowledge, and drive to become leaders in their fields, as well as to lead lives of impact in the world. The institution also places a strong focus on research. Fostering discovery and innovation allows those enrolled to create new knowledge and ideas that translate into better ways of working, living, and learning.

Students can choose from over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate and professional programs in the following major academic units:

  • College of Agricultural Consumer and Environment Sciences
  • College of Applied Sciences
  • Gies College of Business
  • College of Education
  • The Grainger College of Engineering
  • College of Fine and Applied Arts
  • School of Labor Employment Relations
  • College of Law
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • School of Information Sciences
  • College of Media
  • Carle Illinois College of Medicine
  • School of Social Work
  • College of Veterinary Medicine

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time, undergraduate freshmen who began their studies at the University of Illinois in 2021 was 93% for full-time students and 84% for part-time students. Notably, this is well above the national average is 68%. Overall, this indicates that most students enrolled at the university chose to return to further their educations.

The overall graduation rate is comparable. Of the students who began their studies in fall 2015, 85% were able to complete requirements within 150% of normal time, or about six years. Most students strive to graduate within four years, however, which was achieved by 71% of those included in the data. This is above the national average.

The University of Illinois is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Student Population Total


Student Population 56,916

Undergraduate
35,120
Graduate
21,796
Evening Classes : NA
Distance Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Engineering Majors 1823 Total Graduates / 22%
Computer Engineering, General 355 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 260 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering 216 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 180 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 149 Graduates
All Business Majors 1067 Total Graduates / 13%
Accounting 370 Graduates
Finance, General 287 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 121 Graduates
Actuarial Science 101 Graduates
Management Information Systems, General 93 Graduates
All Social Science Majors 616 Total Graduates / 7%
Economics, General 355 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 177 Graduates
Anthropology 35 Graduates
Sociology 32 Graduates
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 8 Graduates
All Biological & Biomedical Majors 537 Total Graduates / 7%
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology 354
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other 153 Graduates
Biochemistry 28
All Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs Majors 527 Total Graduates / 6%
Communication, General 221
Advertising 219
Journalism 53
Mass Communication/Media Studies 30
Broadcast Journalism 4
All Other Diplomas 45%

Outcome & Salary


The University of Illinois conducts regular surveys to measure individual achievements and global impact. Based on responses received during the 2020-2021 report, 94% of graduates secured a first destination of employment, additional education, or volunteer position. Additionally, the average salary reported by full-time employees with bachelor’s degrees earned at the university was $69,000.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $62,600
College Grads Average Salary $76,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $115,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $760,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,913,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $63,316
10 Year Projected ROI $696,684
20 Year Projected ROI $1,849,684
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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