About

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

big ten public universitytop engineering programshigh research activitylarge campus communityselective admissions

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign, IL, known for its big ten public university, top engineering programs, and high research activity. With an acceptance rate of 45%, UIUC is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 7,957 students each year. UIUC is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1390–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. UIUC offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $15,527 per year; the sticker price of $53,826 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

45%
Overall Accept Rate
1455
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1390 – 1520 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Essay Strategy
UIUC asks you to write about your intended major, so be specific about why you chose that program at Illinois, not just why you like the subject in general. Reference specific faculty research, labs, or programs within your department that you want to engage with.
Test Score Strategy
Since UIUC is test optional and your score is below the 75th percentile, you are likely better off not submitting it and letting your GPA, coursework rigor, and essays carry your application instead.

Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $75,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's sticker price of ~$54k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$54k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$54k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$54k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$54k/yr$15.2k
110k+~$54k/yr$28.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$65k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
35,631
Undergrad Enrollment
UIUC Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch