The University of Illinois Chicago is a public research university and the largest university in the Chicago metropolitan area, with particularly strong health sciences programs. UIC operates the largest medical school in the United States and houses top-ranked programs in pharmacy, nursing, and occupational therapy. Its urban campus near downtown Chicago provides students with extensive clinical, research, and professional opportunities.
Mascot: Flame
Notable Alumni
Hannibal Buress (comedian and actor)•Carol Moseley Braun (first Black woman U.S. Senator)•Bernard Shaw (CNN founding anchor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
UIC is fundamentally a commuter campus — 85% of students live off-campus, and the social scene reflects it. Greek organizations exist but with low participation rates. The saving grace is Chicago itself: the city IS your campus, and students who embrace that thrive. Health sciences and engineering programs are rigorous; other majors are more moderate.
Walter Netsch's original Brutalist concrete campus near downtown Chicago is architecturally distinctive but divisive and often perceived as cold and fortress-like. Recent renovations have softened some areas, but the overall impression remains utilitarian urban commuter campus.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UIC has a full police department with 24/7 patrols, a SafeWalk escort program, and comprehensive emergency alert systems.
UIC sits on Chicago's near west side between Little Italy, University Village, and Greektown. While these neighborhoods have gentrified, Chicago's broader urban crime issues affect the surrounding area.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Most weekdays and select Saturdays during the academic year
Duration: About 2 hours (admissions presentation + student panel + student-led walking tour)
First-Year Visits, Transfer Visits (select Mon/Wed/Fri), and Group Visits (10-80 people) available. Contact UIC Admissions at (312) 996-4350.
Book a TourSelf-guided tours and audio tours available. School-specific and departmental tours can be arranged by contacting individual program offices in advance.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through November and April through May when Chicago weather is pleasant and campus buzzes with 34,000 students. Avoid January-February wind chill and mid-summer when fewer students are around. UIC's urban campus is lively year-round compared to many schools.
Several cash parking lots and garages on campus; Value Card option at $9/visit for designated visitor lots (Harrison St, Halsted/Taylor, Maxwell St structures). CTA Blue Line (UIC-Halsted stop) connects to O'Hare Airport and downtown. CTA Pink Line (Polk stop) also serves campus. Multiple CTA bus lines run through campus. O'Hare (ORD) is 30 min by Blue Line; Midway (MDW) is accessible via Orange-to-Pink Line transfer.
Location
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