Chances of Getting Into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois • Public University • #35 National • Founded 1867
UIUC Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
UIUC SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a world-class public research university and a birthplace of modern computing. With a 43% acceptance rate, UIUC is home to one of the top-5 computer science programs in the world, along with elite engineering, business, and agricultural science programs.
Top Programs
What Makes UIUC Unique
- Top-5 computer science program globally — produced the creators of YouTube, Yelp, PayPal
- Grainger College of Engineering is among the largest and best in the nation
- Gies College of Business offers cutting-edge data analytics and technology-focused curriculum
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) is on campus
- Strong international student community — over 25% of students are international
UIUC Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
UIUC Application Deadlines
How to Get Into UIUC: Admission Tips
Apply Early Action (Nov 1) for priority — especially for CS and Engineering
CS + Engineering is the most competitive college to get into — much lower acceptance rate
UIUC admits by major — your second-choice major matters if you're not admitted to your first
Strong math and science background is critical for STEM applicants
Illinois residents have a slight advantage but UIUC recruits heavily nationally and globally
The Brutal Truth About UIUC Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 43% acceptance rate, UIUC rejected over 38,190 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At UIUC, having a 3.8 GPA and 1420 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. UIUC doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if UIUC genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 43%-acceptance-rate basket.
UIUC Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of 43% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 67,000+ applicants, approximately 8,400 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into UIUC?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 3.8. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.65, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for UIUC?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted UIUC students is 1330–1510. The average SAT score is 1420. For ACT, the range is 29–34 with an average of 32.
Is UIUC hard to get into?
Yes, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is selective with an acceptance rate of just 43%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does UIUC cost?
Tuition at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $16,862 (in-state) / $35,110 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $33,716 (in-state) / $51,964 (out-of-state). However, 52% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $16,000+.
What are my chances of getting into UIUC?
Your chances of getting into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 43% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at UIUC
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