Also known as: UIUC
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), a prestigious public research university, is known for its competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UIUC reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 44.8%, reflecting a selective yet accessible admissions landscape. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with tens of thousands of students vying for spots each year, as well as trends toward increased applications due to the university's strong academic reputation in engineering, business, and sciences. UIUC maintains transparency in its admissions data, often publishing detailed statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, accessible at UIUC Data Resources.
Over the past decade, UIUC’s acceptance rate has trended downward slightly, indicating growing competitiveness as application numbers rise, particularly for high-demand programs like Computer Science. Early Action applicants often see a slight advantage, though the university emphasizes holistic review across all rounds. Compared to peer institutions like the University of Michigan or Purdue University, UIUC remains moderately selective, balancing accessibility with academic rigor. International admissions have become more competitive due to the university’s global reputation, especially in STEM fields. As application volumes continue to grow, prospective students are encouraged to apply early and highlight unique strengths to stand out in this increasingly selective process.