University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
(UIUC)
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a top-tier public research university renowned for its computer science and engineering programs, which consistently rank among the best in the nation. Its Grainger College of Engineering and National Center for Supercomputing Applications have driven major advances in computing and technology.
Mascot: Fighting Illini
Notable Alumni
Roger Ebert (legendary film critic)•Steve Chen (co-founder of YouTube)•Max Levchin (co-founder of PayPal)
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
UIUC has one of the largest Greek systems in the Midwest (~24% participation), and fraternity/sorority life is a genuine social engine — especially for freshmen trying to find footing on a 50,000-student campus. The bar scene on Green Street and Campustown gives even non-Greeks a robust nightlife, and the engineering and CS programs are world-class without creating soul-crushing pressure. Unofficial St. Patrick's Day is the cultural tentpole that defines the social calendar.
The Main Quad with its Georgian Revival buildings and Alma Mater statue is handsome, but the surrounding campus is flat and architecturally mixed. Well-maintained grounds keep it looking tidy.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The campus benefits from four police departments within a one-mile radius and a fully accredited university police force. Vehicle break-ins are the primary concern.
Champaign-Urbana is a classic college town with moderate crime levels. The campus area is generally safe with good lighting, though the broader Champaign area has some higher-crime pockets.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Regular weekday visits during the academic year
Duration: About 2 hours (info session + campus and housing tour)
Admissions visit includes campus tour and housing tour of Illinois Street Residence (ISR) Halls. Additional housing tours offered 2-4pm weekdays. Illinois Bound events connect students with unique campus communities. Campus visits don't affect admission decisions.
Book a Tour40-minute self-guided quad tour of the social and academic core of campus. Maps and route information available on the admissions website.
Tour ResourcesVisit mid-September through October for pleasant weather and a buzzing campus, especially on a home football Saturday at Memorial Stadium. April is also great when the quad fills with students and the Arboretum blooms. Avoid January-February (central Illinois winters are harsh) and summer when campus is noticeably quiet.
Willard Airport (CMI) is 5 miles south of Champaign (~15 min drive) with limited commercial service. Most visitors fly into Chicago O'Hare (135 miles, ~2.5 hrs) or Indianapolis (125 miles, ~2 hrs) and drive. No free weekday parking on campus — use metered spots and pay electronically. Check the campus map for meter locations near your destination.
Location
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