University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acceptance Rate 2026
Quick Answer
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of approximately 42.4% for the 2026 admission cycle, making it a selective public research institution. In-state tuition is $16,004 annually, while out-of-state tuition reaches $35,124. Graduates earn a median of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across the university’s diverse academic programs.
Preparing for test? Kaplan’s test prep has helped millions score higher.
Learn More →Acceptance Snapshot
As of April 2026, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admitted approximately 42.4% of applicants, positioning it as a moderately selective institution within the Big Ten Conference and among top-tier public universities nationally. This acceptance rate reflects the university’s competitive admissions process while remaining more accessible than many peer institutions.
The university enrolls a total student population of 36,258 students, making it one of the largest research universities in the United States. This large enrollment base supports extensive research opportunities, diverse student organizations, and robust academic departments across engineering, liberal arts, business, and other disciplines.
Year-over-year trends in acceptance rates at selective public universities typically fluctuate based on application volume, demographic shifts, and institutional enrollment targets. Prospective students should verify current acceptance statistics directly with the admissions office, as rates can vary by academic year and admission cycle.
SAT & ACT Scores
The provided data does not include specific SAT and ACT score ranges (25th-75th percentiles) for admitted students in the 2026 cycle. Prospective applicants should contact the Office of Admissions directly or visit the university’s official admissions website for current standardized test score profiles, particularly as testing policies continue to evolve in higher education.
Tuition & Costs
Annual Tuition (2026)
- In-State Tuition: $16,004
- Out-of-State Tuition: $35,124
These figures represent direct instructional costs. The total cost of attendance typically includes room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses, which vary based on student choices and living arrangements. The average net price (after accounting for grants and aid) stands at $14,355, suggesting substantial financial aid availability for many students.
Get expert feedback on your university application essay
Learn More →Financial Aid Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign demonstrates strong financial aid commitment, with an average net price of $14,355 across the student population. This figure is notably lower than the published out-of-state tuition rate, indicating that most students receive some combination of grants, scholarships, and other aid.
Students should note that net price varies significantly by family income level. The university participates in federal financial aid programs and offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities. The median student debt upon graduation is $19,500, which is moderate compared to national averages, reflecting the institution’s aid offerings.
Graduation Rates
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports a completion rate of 85.01%, indicating that the vast majority of enrolled students successfully earn their degrees. This six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds the national average for public universities, reflecting strong academic support systems, student persistence, and institutional commitment to student success.
Post-Graduation Earnings
Graduates of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn a median of $81,054 ten years after initial enrollment, demonstrating strong return on educational investment. This figure reflects outcomes across all majors and degree levels, with variation based on field of study, degree type, and individual career trajectories.
Engineering, computer science, and business graduates typically report higher earnings, while education and social science graduates may report lower median salaries. Prospective students should consider both earnings potential and personal academic interests when selecting a major.
Popular Majors
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers over 150 undergraduate degree programs and numerous graduate programs. While specific degree-award counts by major are not provided in the current data, the institution is particularly renowned for engineering, computer science, business (Gies College of Business), liberal arts and sciences, and agriculture programs. Students should consult the university’s registrar or academic affairs office for detailed enrollment statistics by major.
Demographics
The current data does not include detailed demographic breakdowns by race, ethnicity, or gender. For comprehensive enrollment diversity information, prospective students and researchers should visit the university’s Institutional Research and Analytics office or review the Common Data Set published annually by the institution.
Related Guides
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acceptance Rate 2025
- Baylor University Acceptance Rate 2025 | 95.76%
- Baylor University Acceptance Rate 2026: 95.76%
- Clemson University Acceptance Rate 2025: 38.34%
- Clemson University Acceptance Rate 2026: 38.34%
FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for 2026?
The acceptance rate is approximately 42.4% as of April 2026, making it a selective public research university. This means roughly 4 in 10 applicants are admitted, though acceptance rates may vary by college within the university and by application type.
How much does it cost to attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
In-state tuition is $16,004 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $35,124 annually. However, the average net price (after financial aid) is $14,355, meaning many students pay significantly less than the sticker price through grants and scholarships.
What do graduates earn after attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The median earnings ten years after enrollment are $81,054. Earnings vary substantially by major, with engineering and computer science graduates typically earning more than graduates in education or social sciences.
What is the graduation rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The completion rate is 85.01%, meaning approximately 85% of students earn their degree within six years. This exceeds national averages for public universities and reflects strong institutional support for student success.
What is the typical student debt after graduating from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The median student debt is $19,500, which is moderate and reflects the availability of financial aid. However, individual debt levels vary based on financial aid packages, family contributions, and borrowing decisions.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign affordable for out-of-state students?
While out-of-state tuition ($35,124) is substantially higher than in-state tuition, the average net price of $14,355 suggests significant financial aid availability. Out-of-state students should complete the FAFSA and contact the financial aid office to understand their individual aid packages.
How large is the student body at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The university enrolls 36,258 students, making it one of the largest public research universities in the United States. This large enrollment supports extensive research opportunities, diverse student organizations, and robust academic resources.
Data Sources
The statistics in this article are derived 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, financial aid data, graduation rates, and earnings information reflect the most recent available data from these federal sources.
Important Note: College admission statistics, tuition costs, and financial aid policies change annually. Prospective students and families should verify all figures directly with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s official admissions and financial aid offices before making enrollment decisions. Visit the university’s website at www.illinois.edu for the most current information.