University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42.4%, average net price of $14,355, and a national rank of #52 (Grade A), with a 85.1% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $64,802 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university in Champaign, IL. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 105.5%, roughly 55.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates 85.1% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $33,642 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $2,038 annually, while high-income families pay $28,761. Use University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,152/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,761/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $64,802
- 10-Year Median Earnings $64,802
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $16,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 78.8%
- Employment Rate 93.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report median earnings of $64,802 six years after enrollment, +48% above the national median. The 105.5% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 650-740
- SAT Math 660-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 30-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 85.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 42.4%, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1520 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign undergraduates. Research and Experimental Psychology, Economics, and Accounting and Related Services draw the most students.
- Research and Experimental Psychology 6.0%
- Economics 5.4%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.1%
- Computer Engineering 3.8%
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 3.7%
- Statistics 3.7%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 3.5%
- Computer Science 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $170,405
- 2. Computer Engineering $136,097
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $118,286
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Information Systems and Services $115,128
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $113,503
- 6. Mathematics and Computer Science $109,843
- 7. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $109,503
- 8. Engineering Physics $109,155
- 9. Chemical Engineering $107,589
- 10. Statistics $104,911
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $201,739
- 2. Taxation (Master's Degree) $142,692
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $140,412
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (Doctoral Degree) $131,408
- 5. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $128,517
- 6. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $124,896
- 7. Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degree) $119,056
- 8. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $113,061
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $110,257
- 10. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $108,980
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $170,405—62% more than Statistics ($104,911). Graduate: Computer Science programs lead with $201,739 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 542 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 490 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 374 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 341 graduates)
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 338 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (95 programs)▼
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Economics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Statistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Animal Sciences
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Agricultural Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Food Science and Technology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Materials Engineering
- History
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Social Work
- Engineering Physics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Systems Engineering
- Journalism
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Music
- International/Global Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Nuclear Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Public Services
- Engineering Mechanics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Dance
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Education, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Engineering, General
- Education, Other
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Architecture
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Cognitive Science
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Agriculture, General
Online Master's Degrees (66 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Economics
- Operations Research
- Music
- Sustainability Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Public Health
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Area Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Engineering Mechanics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Political Science and Government
- Dance
- History
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Systems Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Taxation
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Philosophy
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biology, General
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
Online Doctoral Degrees (78 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Music
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Information Science/Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Plant Sciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geography and Cartography
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Anthropology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Systems Engineering
- Statistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Engineering Mechanics
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Industrial Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Biology, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Area Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Music
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Veterinary Medicine
- Law
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 37.5%
- Asian 23.1%
- Hispanic 14.4%
- Black 5.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a diverse student body, with 37.5% identifying as White. About 23.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #52 nationally, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines competitive admissions with 105.5% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $64,802 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 85.1% six-year rates, with 94.8% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $14,355 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 834 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Market Position
A grade | #52 of 6119 | 97.0/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 105.5% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $14,355 annually produces $64,802 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's #52 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 834 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 85.1% six-year graduation rate sits 22.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 94.8% first-year retention is 18.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 105.5% return on investment is 55.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $64,802 run about 48% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,355 is roughly $3,072 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.4% employment rate within three years sits 25.2 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a public university in Champaign, IL, secures a A grade in our latest review. It stands at #52 among 6119 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support B, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 85.1%. The reported ROI is 105.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,355 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $33,642.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,287 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $64,802 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 48% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 93.4% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 105.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
42.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's acceptance rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's acceptance rate is 42.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign cost?
At University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the average net price after aid is $14,355. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's ranking?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #52 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's graduation rate?
At University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the six-year graduation rate is 85.1%.
What are University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report median earnings of $64,802 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Champaign, IL 61820-5711
- Website www.illinois.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$2.51B