About University of Illinois Springfield
The University of Illinois Springfield builds future public servants and policy makers in the heart of Illinois government. With 2,292 students, this full university leverages its Springfield location to offer unmatched access to state agencies, legislative internships, and political networks. Students study alongside working professionals who commute from nearby government offices. The public affairs and administration programs consistently place graduates in state and local government positions across Illinois.
Money matters work in students' favor here. The average net price of $8,916 makes this one of Illinois's most affordable four-year options. Graduates earn a median of $57,103 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at just $19,128. Monthly loan payments average $203, easily manageable on government and nonprofit salaries. In-state students pay $12,252 in tuition, and 92% of the student body qualifies for this rate.
The Prairie Stars compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, though academics take center stage on this commuter-friendly campus. With an 82% acceptance rate and average ACT score of 24, UIS welcomes motivated students ready to dive into practical, career-focused programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who often maintain active roles in Illinois government and policy work.
Money matters work in students' favor here. The average net price of $8,916 makes this one of Illinois's most affordable four-year options. Graduates earn a median of $57,103 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at just $19,128. Monthly loan payments average $203, easily manageable on government and nonprofit salaries. In-state students pay $12,252 in tuition, and 92% of the student body qualifies for this rate.
The Prairie Stars compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, though academics take center stage on this commuter-friendly campus. With an 82% acceptance rate and average ACT score of 24, UIS welcomes motivated students ready to dive into practical, career-focused programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who often maintain active roles in Illinois government and policy work.
Academics & Faculty
UIS built its reputation around public affairs and administration programs that directly connect students to Illinois state government. The university's location in the state capital creates unique internship and career opportunities in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention from professors who often have real-world government experience. The 61% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on working adults and transfer students who take longer to complete degrees. UIS also offers strong programs in business, education, and liberal arts. Many students choose UIS specifically for its public service mission and practical approach to learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.4%
- Retention Rate
- 80.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,103
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $78,343 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Master | $75,989 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Master | $74,576 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,399 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,579 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,392 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Public Health. | Master | $50,231 |
Campus Life
UIS sits in Illinois's capital city, where 92.62% of students come from in-state and many pursue careers in public service. The campus houses 1,048 students in residence halls, representing about 46% of the total enrollment of 2,292. Springfield winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant walking weather between classes.
The Prairie Stars compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, drawing students to basketball and soccer games throughout the year. With Illinois state government offices nearby, many students intern at the Capitol building or state agencies during the semester. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit academic community. Weekends often revolve around campus activities and exploring Springfield's Lincoln-related historic sites. Students frequently gather in the Student Union or attend campus programming, as the midsize city setting keeps most social life centered on campus. The strong public affairs programs attract politically engaged students who organize campus debates and mock legislative sessions.
The Prairie Stars compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, drawing students to basketball and soccer games throughout the year. With Illinois state government offices nearby, many students intern at the Capitol building or state agencies during the semester. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit academic community. Weekends often revolve around campus activities and exploring Springfield's Lincoln-related historic sites. Students frequently gather in the Student Union or attend campus programming, as the midsize city setting keeps most social life centered on campus. The strong public affairs programs attract politically engaged students who organize campus debates and mock legislative sessions.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,048 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
35 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.8"
Student Demographics
UIS draws primarily Illinois residents who recognize the school's unique position in the state capital. With 93% in-state enrollment, students come seeking direct access to government internships and public service careers. The student body skews female, reflecting the school's strength in education, social work, and public administration programs. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing UIS serves working-class families across Illinois. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic representation, unusual for central Illinois, as students from Chicago and other urban areas travel to Springfield for the school's government connections and affordable tuition.
- Men
- 44.6%
- Women
- 55.4%
- White
- 61.8%
- Black
- 12.7%
- Hispanic
- 10.7%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 92.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.9%
Location
Springfield sits in central Illinois, about 200 miles south of Chicago and 100 miles northeast of St. Louis. The state capital draws 92.62% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting the university's strong regional pull. Springfield combines government influence with college town energy, as students interact with state legislators and agencies just blocks from campus. The prairie landscape offers a distinctly Midwestern setting without major geographic features like mountains or beaches. Lincoln's tomb and presidential museum anchor the historic downtown, while the nearby Sangamon River provides outdoor recreation. Students benefit from internship opportunities in state government offices and nonprofit organizations throughout the capital city. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare University of Illinois Springfield with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,103
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,698
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $203/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,128
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Springfield?
University of Illinois Springfield accepts 82% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1104. The school serves as an accessible entry point into the University of Illinois system while maintaining solid academic standards.
How much does University of Illinois Springfield cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,916 annually at University of Illinois Springfield. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $12,252 and graduates carrying a median debt of just $19,128.
What academic programs is University of Illinois Springfield known for?
University of Illinois Springfield excels in public affairs and administration with direct connections to Illinois state government. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention across undergraduate and graduate programs.
What are the employment outcomes for University of Illinois Springfield graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.2% employment rate with median earnings of $57,103 ten years after graduation. The school's location in the state capital provides valuable internship and career opportunities in government and public service.
Where do students live at University of Illinois Springfield?
The campus houses 1,048 students in residence halls serving a total enrollment of 2,292. Springfield offers a mid-size city setting with the advantages of being Illinois' capital while maintaining a manageable scale.
Does University of Illinois Springfield offer Division I athletics?
The Prairie Stars compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 13 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 250 student-athletes with $1.67 million in scholarship funding.
