What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Above all else I would suggest that finding the right college is all about weighing any number of variables related to a school. In today's unique economic climate, one must be very honest when assessing whether or not the hefty pricetag on certain universities will actually pay off years down the road. Furthermore, a student looking at colleges and universities should be open to any number of schools that may not have originally been on their list. Often times, if a student asks around they'll find that schools they hadn't even considered have excellent programs in their desired field of study and may offer perks beyond those of the other universities. Beyond this, coming from a public, urban university I can speak to the importance of really being your own advocate when it comes to your education and overall experience. Although it ma be frustrating, often times it is necessary to ask the same question to several people in order to get the answer you need or to bog yourself down in bureaucracy if it means getting the most out of your time at the school. You have to work to make the most of your experience.

What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

I wish I had known about the special programs that they offered in my major field. I did not really know what kind of academic programs they offered to help me find an internship until I started attending the university. They have a career center where they help students find jobs but there is a long waiting list for it; I wished they had more career counselors. I also wished I knew how expensie their housing on-campus cost, along with their meal plan.

What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

The worst thing about my school is that some people working in the offices or who answer the phones can be incompetent and don't offer sufficient assistance.

Describe the students at your school.

My classmates are sometimes very quiet depending on the class, but eventually become very interactive as the semester goes on.

What kind of person should attend this school?

Those who plan to major in science or business-related fields of study.

What's unique about your campus?

The fact that the campus is in downtown Chicago. So many things are available for students to do throughout the city.

Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

Brings equality through excelent education.

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

It is very diverse, and you will not feel like a minority.

What kind of person should not attend this school?

A very lazy and all into him/her self is not a good fit for UIC. The reason I say this is because at UIC, everyone is friendly and people enjoy studying and learning. From personal experience, being lazy and or not being used to studying will cause that individual to be a hinderance on other people that they socialize with.

Describe your favorite campus traditions.

UIC is well known for its strong research foundation for most of its curriculum.

What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The most frustrating thing about my school would be finding the classes.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The fact that it's in downtown Chicago and there is always something to do.

What is your overall opinion of this school?

The University of Illinois at Chicago is truly one of the best universities anyone could attend. The diversity is amazing, and so are the opportunities. The best part of UIC is how the students fight for what they believe in, such as LGBT rights, and things of that nature. Additionally, I love how the university gives many opportunities for students to work on campus.

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

One stereotype is that most of the students are Indian; however, this is not true because UIC is a very diverse university.

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

I would say the fraternities and sororities are the more popular groups around here. These are the ones that people are most eager to be a part of. Nothing else caught my notice to a greater extent. There are other groups or clubs, but those could potentially be overlooked.

What are the academics like at your school?

There are indeed some instructors who can be so very much dedicated to their students. I really enjoyed my organic chemistry professor. But that is one in many. The students in the other organic chem class didn't fair as well as we did academic wise. The odds of getting a good professor here aren't the best. It's tough trying to work on your own here. It will likely be a struggle to get through classes as an individual.

What's the Greek scene like?

Being that this school is located near downtown Chicago, the Greek scene at UIC is not as prominent as it is at other schools. While UIC has many Greek organizations on campus, students are encouraged to utilize recreation spots and other locations around the city for social gatherings and events. UIC's location also means that the campus doesn't have a lot of Greek houses as well.

Why did you decide to go to this school?

I decided to go to UIC because I enjoy the environment. It is located in downtown Chicago which allows me to live off campus but commute comfortably. Also because of the university's high standards of it's students. It has strict requirements which assures me that I am among serious college students.

University of Illinois at Chicago

About University of Illinois at Chicago

Founded in 1965, University of Illinois at Chicago. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 17,959 full time undergraduate students, and 11,161 full time graduate students.

The University of Illinois at Chicago Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1491 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Illinois at Chicago include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate	73%
Application Deadline
Application Fee	60
SAT Range	990-1235
ACT Range	21-27

Admissions at UIC are considered Selective, with ,84% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 59% were in the top quarter, and 25% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Illinois at Chicago.

“We”re apathetic”

16%

“We know about current events and vote”

62%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

21%

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

24%

“Sometimes, but not often”

53%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

19%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

11%

“I only go out in groups”

56%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

31%

“I feel extremely safe”

12%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

53%

“We bought the gear”

36%

“We live for the big game”

“It”s not really our thing”

23%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

52%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

19%

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

62%

“They keep regular office hours”

28%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

42%

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

55%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

10%

“We”re not into drinking at all”

48%

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

33%

“We only party on weekends”

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

14%

“Never, we”re here to learn”

63%

“There might be people who do”

22%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

How would you rate on-campus housing?

260 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?

220 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?

302 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?

319 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?

317 Students rated class size 3.7 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?

317 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?

317 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?

318 Students rated academics 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

University of Illinois at Chicago REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of University of Illinois at Chicago?

136 Students rated University of Illinois at Chicago

Leila - 08/16/2024

UIC. My university. My new home... when finding colleges that could match my wants and needs, I remember running into this school and I instead fell in love. The athletic facilities and the classrooms are the most amazing and clean places to be. Most people may think twice about sending their kid here in the heart of Chicago but UIC prioritizes the safety of their students by having local police around and safely pole to alert the police. UIC is very welcoming to everyone and has a huge amount of diversity which allows me a person of color to feel very comfortable and welcome to this new environment. The location of UIC is also a big plus to the whole college experience. It is in the middle of the city allowing many food, party, and event attractions everywhere. At the end of the day, UIC is very serious about having a good head on your shoulders, not only academically smart but also being street smart to help you get through life.

Lance - 11/12/2023

It has its issues like any other campus, but it still represents a great value for the education you get, and whether you're into sports, art, programming, engineering, or whatever, there always end up being some club or likely even degree devoted to it. It's a large, diverse campus, and it's pretty easy to have a valuable time if you're willing to put yourself out there a bit.

Crystal - 09/12/2023

I personally have always wanted to come here since I was younger, and this is truly an amazing school. It's so diverse and no one will ever feel unwelcome. Since we are located in the city there is never any time for boredom. The class room sizes are all great, and your professors are always attentive to email or any questions you may have.

Kayla - 09/03/2023

I enjoy it so far as a first year student, I will say I do find myself feeling lost all the time. I do wish I learned more shut the school in orientation before the school year started, But I’m out sure a i will enjoy the campus one I learn it. I am very excited to learn at UIC!

University of Illinois at Chicago FAQS

What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Illinois at Chicago?

The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Illinois at Chicago is 73%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Above all else I would suggest that finding the right college is all about weighing any number of variables related to a school. In today's unique economic climate, one must be very honest when assessing whether or not the hefty pricetag on certain universities will actually pay off years down the road. Furthermore, a student looking at colleges and universities should be open to any number of schools that may not have originally been on their list. Often times, if a student asks around they'll find that schools they hadn't even considered have excellent programs in their desired field of study and may offer perks beyond those of the other universities. Beyond this, coming from a public, urban university I can speak to the importance of really being your own advocate when it comes to your education and overall experience. Although it ma be frustrating, often times it is necessary to ask the same question to several people in order to get the answer you need or to bog yourself down in bureaucracy if it means getting the most out of your time at the school. You have to work to make the most of your experience.
Read all 282 answers
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

I wish I had known about the special programs that they offered in my major field. I did not really know what kind of academic programs they offered to help me find an internship until I started attending the university. They have a career center where they help students find jobs but there is a long waiting list for it; I wished they had more career counselors. I also wished I knew how expensie their housing on-campus cost, along with their meal plan.
Read all 60 answers
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

The worst thing about my school is that some people working in the offices or who answer the phones can be incompetent and don't offer sufficient assistance.
Read all 59 answers
Describe the students at your school.

My classmates are sometimes very quiet depending on the class, but eventually become very interactive as the semester goes on.
Read all 51 answers
What kind of person should attend this school?

Those who plan to major in science or business-related fields of study.
Read all 50 answers
What's unique about your campus?

The fact that the campus is in downtown Chicago. So many things are available for students to do throughout the city.
Read all 47 answers
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

Brings equality through excelent education.
Read all 47 answers
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

It is very diverse, and you will not feel like a minority.
Read all 45 answers
What kind of person should not attend this school?

A very lazy and all into him/her self is not a good fit for UIC. The reason I say this is because at UIC, everyone is friendly and people enjoy studying and learning. From personal experience, being lazy and or not being used to studying will cause that individual to be a hinderance on other people that they socialize with.
Read all 38 answers
Describe your favorite campus traditions.

UIC is well known for its strong research foundation for most of its curriculum.
Read all 35 answers
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The most frustrating thing about my school would be finding the classes.
Read all 29 answers
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The fact that it's in downtown Chicago and there is always something to do.
Read all 27 answers
What is your overall opinion of this school?

The University of Illinois at Chicago is truly one of the best universities anyone could attend. The diversity is amazing, and so are the opportunities. The best part of UIC is how the students fight for what they believe in, such as LGBT rights, and things of that nature. Additionally, I love how the university gives many opportunities for students to work on campus.
Read all 8 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

One stereotype is that most of the students are Indian; however, this is not true because UIC is a very diverse university.
Read all 8 answers
What are the most popular student activities/groups?

I would say the fraternities and sororities are the more popular groups around here. These are the ones that people are most eager to be a part of. Nothing else caught my notice to a greater extent. There are other groups or clubs, but those could potentially be overlooked.
Read all 5 answers
What are the academics like at your school?

There are indeed some instructors who can be so very much dedicated to their students. I really enjoyed my organic chemistry professor. But that is one in many. The students in the other organic chem class didn't fair as well as we did academic wise. The odds of getting a good professor here aren't the best. It's tough trying to work on your own here. It will likely be a struggle to get through classes as an individual.
Read all 5 answers
What's the Greek scene like?

Being that this school is located near downtown Chicago, the Greek scene at UIC is not as prominent as it is at other schools. While UIC has many Greek organizations on campus, students are encouraged to utilize recreation spots and other locations around the city for social gatherings and events. UIC's location also means that the campus doesn't have a lot of Greek houses as well.
Read all 2 answers
Why did you decide to go to this school?

I decided to go to UIC because I enjoy the environment. It is located in downtown Chicago which allows me to live off campus but commute comfortably. Also because of the university's high standards of it's students. It has strict requirements which assures me that I am among serious college students.
Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

50%

female

50%

male

17,959

Total Undergrad Enrollment

11,161

Total Grad Students

Out-Of-State

92%

In-State

International

Organizations

414

Student Organizations

Fraternities

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

13%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native

N/A

% Asian/Pacific Islander

22%

% Black or African-American

% Hispanic/Latino

31%

% White or Caucasian

32%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

85% of students attending University of Illinois at Chicago receive some sort of financial aid. 58% were awarded federal grants. While 43% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

$25,062

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,400

Books and Supplies

$11,342

Room and Board

37,804

Total On Campus

Family Income

Cost

$0 - $30K

$9,755

$30 - $48K

$10,663

$48 - $75K

$14,419

$75 - $110K

$21,821

$110K & UP

$23,414

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago IL , 60607

Get started

Sign up

Log in

Sign up

Log in

About University of Illinois at Chicago

Quick Facts

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

How would you rate on-campus housing?

How would you rate off-campus housing?

How would you rate campus food?

How would you rate campus facilities?

How would you rate class size?

How would you rate school activities?

How would you rate local services?

How would you rate academics?