Is Studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a Good Choice? A Full Breakdown of Admissions Requirements, Tuition, and Standout Programs
Wondering what it's like to study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign? This article offers a detailed breakdown of UIUC's admissions requirements, tuition costs, top majors, application tips, and campus life to help you fully understand this prestigious engineering-focused university.
Uni-Study Editorial Team
Preface
"Teacher, is UIUC's engineering program really that strong?"
I've heard this question so many times. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is indeed home to one of the top engineering schools in the United States, especially in the fields of computer science and engineering. While its overall ranking isn't at the very top of the list, its reputation in engineering circles is extremely prestigious.
Today I'll help you get a comprehensive understanding of this "legendary engineering school".
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1. UIUC Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867 and is located in Champaign, Illinois. It is one of the top public universities in the United States. It is renowned for its engineering, computer science, and agriculture programs, and holds enormous influence in the global engineering community.
Basic Statistics
| Item | Figure |
| US News National Ranking | #35 |
| Engineering School Ranking | #5 (undergraduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~45% |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~35,000 |
| International Student Percentage | ~15% |
| Out-of-State Tuition (per year) | ~$35,000 |
2. Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Application
Standardized Test Scores- SAT: 1250-1470 (median range)
- ACT: 27-33
- TOEFL: 100+ (105+ recommended)
- IELTS: 6.5+
- Unweighted GPA: 3.7+
- Weighted GPA: 4.0+
- Class Rank: Top 15%
- Common Application
- UIUC supplemental essays
- 2 letters of recommendation from teachers
- 1 letter of recommendation from a college counselor
- Standardized test scores (test-optional)
- Extracurricular activity list
3. Top Programs
Engineering
UIUC's College of Engineering is one of the best in the world, holding a leading global position in fields including computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.
Computer Science
UIUC's CS program is among the top globally, particularly excelling in AI, machine learning, computer systems, and theoretical computer science. The department has produced countless founders and senior executives of leading tech companies.
Library and Information Science
UIUC's School of Information Sciences is the top of its kind worldwide, with world-leading expertise in both information science and library science.
Agriculture
UIUC's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is also extremely strong, leading the world in agricultural engineering and food science research.
Accounting
UIUC's accounting program is highly reputable, with a very high employment rate at the Big Four accounting firms.
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4. Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition
- In-state tuition: ~$16,000/year
- Out-of-state tuition: ~$35,000/year
- Total cost (including housing and meals): ~$52,000/year for out-of-state students
Scholarships
UIUC offers a wide range of scholarships, including merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid.
- Around 50% of UIUC undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance
- Out-of-state and international students are eligible to apply for international student scholarships
- UIUC's tuition is relatively low compared to peer universities, offering excellent value for money
5. Campus Life
Housing Policy
UIUC has over 20 undergraduate residence halls and guarantees housing for first-year students. Upperclassmen can choose to live off campus.
Extracurricular Activities
UIUC has more than 1,000 student organizations covering academics, culture, sports, arts, and almost every other interest area.
Athletics
UIUC is an NCAA Division I school with 20 varsity teams. The UIUC Fighting Illini have strong competitive records in sports including football and basketball.
Life in Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana is a classic college town with a relatively low cost of living. Students have full access to all campus resources, including libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities.
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6. Application Tips
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7. Final Thoughts
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the top public universities in the U.S., with exceptional strengths in engineering, computer science, and other related fields. If you love engineering and technology, want to study in a practice-oriented learning environment, and are looking for a more affordable option, UIUC could be a perfect fit for you.
For more information about U.S. universities, please visit the UniYou U.S. University Database.