US University · Ranked #35
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a moderately selective university in Champaign, Illinois, admitting around 43.7% of those who apply. Ranked #35 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UIUC is a world-class public university with a top-5 computer science program, strong engineering school, and a vibrant Midwestern campus community.
This guide breaks down University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 43.7%
- SAT range
- 1240–1480
- Average GPA
- 3.72
- In-state
- $16,862
- Out-of-state
- $36,068
- Enrollment
- 35,747
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Champaign, Illinois
How hard is it to get into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
With 43.7% of applicants admitted, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically score between 1240 and 1480 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1240 and a quarter above 1480. A score at or above 1480 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1360 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.72. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1240) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 5
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 5. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 5.
Notable programs at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Accounting — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Information Sciences — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is particularly known for Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Accounting, and Information Sciences.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs significantly less for Illinois residents: in-state tuition is about $16,862 per year versus roughly $36,068 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $19,206 annually. If you are not an Illinois resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign an especially strong value for state residents.
What are your chances at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Get a free AI-powered admission probability based on your GPA, test scores, and profile — plus essay feedback and a school strategy.
Calculate my chances free →No credit card. Official site: illinois.edu
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of 43.7%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- Admitted students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically score between 1240 and 1480 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1480 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1240 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.72 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 5. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a public or private university?
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university. In-state students from Illinois pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs significantly less for Illinois residents: in-state tuition is about $16,862 per year versus roughly $36,068 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $19,206 annually. If you are not an Illinois resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.