Overview
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Champaign, Illinois. The school accepts 44.8% of applicants and enrolls 34,623 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 44.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,415
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,320–1,510
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 34,623
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expects you to choose your major carefully and show genuine commitment to your field. The application requires you to apply directly to specific colleges within the university, and switching between colleges later can be difficult. Engineering and computer science programs are extremely competitive, so your application needs to demonstrate relevant coursework, projects, or experience beyond just strong test scores.
Your essays should highlight specific UIUC opportunities that align with your goals. Mention research labs like the National Center for Supercomputing Applications if you're interested in computational fields, or the Technology Entrepreneur Center if you want to start companies. The Honors Program offers smaller classes and research opportunities for high-achieving students across all majors, but you must apply separately by December.
UIUC uses a priority application deadline in November for scholarship consideration, though regular admission extends into January. Submit early if you want merit aid. The campus culture centers heavily around academic achievement and school spirit, especially around engineering and business programs. Students here are competitive but collaborative, and the massive size means you'll find your niche through student organizations rather than small class sizes.
Your application should show depth in your chosen field rather than being well-rounded across everything. If applying to engineering or computer science, highlight programming projects, math competitions, or technical internships. Business applicants should emphasize leadership roles and quantifiable results. Liberal arts and sciences applicants need to show intellectual depth through research, publications, or advanced coursework.
The campus sits in a classic college town where university life dominates. You'll thrive here if you want access to top-tier research facilities and professors while maintaining a traditional college experience with Big Ten athletics and active Greek life. The alumni network in tech and engineering is particularly strong in Chicago and Silicon Valley.
Don't apply to multiple colleges within UIUC thinking it improves your chances. Admissions officers can see all your applications and view this as indecisive. Focus on one college that truly matches your career goals and craft your entire application around that choice.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,201/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $16,004
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $34,501
- Students Receiving Aid
- 24%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $81,054/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 94.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
UIUC has a test-optional admissions policy for most programs. However, some competitive majors like engineering and computer science may still consider test scores if submitted.
What is the application deadline for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The regular decision deadline is January 15. UIUC also offers early action with a November 1 deadline, which is non-binding.
How hard is it to transfer into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign engineering programs?
Transfer admission to UIUC engineering is highly competitive and requires completion of specific prerequisite courses. Students typically need a strong GPA in calculus, physics, and chemistry coursework.
Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admit students by major or college?
UIUC admits students directly to their chosen major within specific colleges. Some highly competitive programs like computer science have separate admission requirements and may be more selective than the university overall.