University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), founded in 1867, is a world-renowned public research university and the flagship of the Illinois system. As an R1 institution with very high research activity, UIUC is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and business, with its Grainger College of Engineering consistently ranked among the best globally. The 6,370-acre campus features cutting-edge facilities including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and the Siebel Center for Design. UIUC is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and consistently ranks among the top public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university's athletic teams, the Fighting Illini, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Ten Conference.
UIUC takes pride in its diverse student body and $650 million annual research enterprise. The campus offers unparalleled resources including one of the world's largest public university libraries. Recent additions include the $95-million Electrical and Computer Engineering Building and the Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago. UIUC's faculty and alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners, and tech pioneers. The university's combination of academic excellence, research impact, and spirited campus life makes it one of the most dynamic public institutions in the nation.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acceptance Rate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 43.69%. This means that 44 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Admission Requirements
Illinois GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Illinois is 3.79. Illinois is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.49 and 3.79, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Illinois GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Illinois utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.79, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.79 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.59 – 3.78 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.39 – 3.58 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.38 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Illinois, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Average SAT Score: 1418
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 1418 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1418 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1510 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1270, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Illinois. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 710 | 640 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 680 | 630 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1418 | 1270 | 1510 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1270 then you are below most of the admitted students at Illinois and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1510 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) are good but the admission staff at Illinois tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Illinois is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT English | 32 | 28 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 29 | 34 |
Can I get into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a 34 ACT?
With a 34 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 32.Illinois Profile
Name: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Can I Get Into Illinois Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from Illinois Worth It?
Getting into Illinois can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Illinois offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Illinois is USD: 77278.04 and unemployment rate is 3.14%.
How much does a degree from Illinois Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is USD: 32134. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is USD: 15201
How can I get a scholarship?
23.81% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.97 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Illinois and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Illinois as your choice in the form.
How much a Illinois Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 81054. An average Illinois graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Bard College, NY | 1387 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Simpson College, IA | 1410 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | Mount Holyoke College, MA | 1422 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $81054 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32134 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 43.69 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.79. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.49, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.49, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.49 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.39 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if my GPA is below 3.39
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.79, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1418 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1270-1510
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.