University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acceptance Rate 2025

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acceptance Rate 2025

Quick Answer

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois or U of I) admitted approximately 42.4% of applicants for the 2025 academic year, making it a selective public research institution. In-state tuition stands at $16,004 annually, while out-of-state tuition is $35,124. Graduates earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes across the university’s engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.

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Acceptance Snapshot

As of April 2026, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reported an acceptance rate of 42.37% for recent admissions cycles. With an enrollment of 36,258 students, the university remains one of the largest public research institutions in the United States while maintaining selective admissions standards.

The 42% acceptance rate indicates moderate selectivity compared to peer institutions. This rate reflects Illinois’s reputation as a top-tier public university, particularly for engineering, computer science, and business programs, which attract highly competitive applicant pools.

Year-over-year trends in acceptance rates at large public universities show gradual tightening as applications increase and institutional prestige grows. Prospective students should note that acceptance rates vary significantly by college within the university—engineering and computer science typically have lower acceptance rates than some liberal arts and sciences programs.

SAT & ACT Scores

Note: Detailed 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT score ranges for the 2025 admission cycle were not available in the provided dataset. Prospective students should consult the university’s official admissions website or contact the Office of Admissions directly for current standardized test score expectations and whether testing is required for your intended major.

Tuition & Costs

In-State Tuition & Fees: $16,004 per academic year

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $35,124 per academic year

The significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition reflects Illinois’s commitment to affordability for resident students. Room and board costs, books, supplies, and personal expenses should be factored into total cost of attendance calculations. The average net price across all income levels is $14,355 annually, suggesting that financial aid packages substantially reduce sticker price for many students.

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Financial Aid Overview

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign awards financial aid to a substantial portion of its student body through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The average net price of $14,355 indicates that after accounting for grants and scholarships, most students pay considerably less than published tuition rates.

Financial aid packages vary based on demonstrated financial need, merit, and other factors. The median student debt at graduation is $19,500, which is below the national average for four-year institutions, suggesting that many Illinois graduates manage their borrowing responsibly or receive significant grant aid.

Students from lower-income families often benefit from federal Pell Grants and state grant programs. The university participates in federal financial aid programs and offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid for personalized aid estimates.

Graduation Rates

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports a completion rate of 85.01%, indicating strong student retention and degree completion. This rate is notably above the national average for public four-year institutions, reflecting the university’s academic support services, career advising, and student engagement initiatives.

A completion rate above 85% suggests that the majority of students who enroll successfully graduate within a standard timeframe. This metric is important for prospective students because it reflects both institutional quality and student success outcomes.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Ten years after entry, Illinois graduates earn a median of $81,054 annually. This figure, derived from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, reflects strong career outcomes across the university’s diverse academic programs.

Earnings vary significantly by major. Engineering, computer science, and business graduates typically earn above this median, while graduates in education, social sciences, and humanities may earn below it. The $81,054 median demonstrates that an Illinois degree provides substantial return on investment and competitive positioning in the job market.

Note: Detailed data on the top 10 majors by degrees awarded was not provided in the available dataset. Prospective students interested in specific program information should visit the university’s academic colleges and departments, which include Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Applied Health Sciences, Education, Fine and Applied Arts, and others.

Demographics

Note: Detailed enrollment breakdown by race/ethnicity and gender for the 2025 academic year was not included in the provided dataset. For current demographic information, prospective students should consult the university’s institutional research office or the Common Data Set published annually on the admissions website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

The acceptance rate is approximately 42.4% as of the 2025 admission cycle. This means the university is selective but not highly restrictive, admitting less than half of applicants while maintaining strong academic standards.

How much does it cost to attend Illinois?

In-state tuition is $16,004 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $35,124 per year. However, the average net price after financial aid is $14,355, meaning many students pay significantly less than the published rate.

What do Illinois graduates earn after graduation?

Median earnings ten years after entry are $81,054 annually. This varies by major, with engineering and computer science graduates typically earning more and liberal arts graduates potentially earning less.

Is the 85% graduation rate good?

Yes. The 85.01% completion rate is well above the national average for public four-year universities, indicating strong student success and institutional support.

Should I take the SAT or ACT for Illinois?

Contact the Office of Admissions directly for current testing requirements and score expectations, as standardized testing policies may vary by program and change annually.

How much financial aid does Illinois offer?

The university offers need-based grants, merit scholarships, federal loans, and work-study. The average net price of $14,355 suggests substantial aid availability, but individual packages vary. Complete the FAFSA for a personalized aid estimate.

What is the median student debt at Illinois?

The median debt at graduation is $19,500, which is below the national average and reflects a combination of grant aid, scholarships, and responsible borrowing.

Data Sources

This article uses data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, accessed April 11, 2026. Acceptance rates, tuition figures, completion rates, and median earnings reflect the most recent available data from these authoritative sources.

Important Note: College data changes annually. Prospective students should verify all figures—acceptance rates, tuition costs, financial aid, and graduation rates—directly with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s official admissions and financial aid offices before making enrollment decisions.