University of Illinois Chicago: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Chicago, Illinois · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
Or open University of Illinois Chicago in College Search to compare programs, costs and outcomes side by side.
University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, Illinois that admits about 77% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $10,974 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Biology, General, Psychology, General and Computer Science, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 10.4 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of Illinois Chicago is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Illinois Chicago admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 77%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1250 and an ACT composite around 27. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $10,974 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
SAT and ACT scores University of Illinois Chicago typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 560–680, with an EBRW midpoint near 595. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–31. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | — |
| 50th percentile | 1250 |
| 75th percentile | — |
| 25th percentile | 25 |
| 50th percentile | 27 |
| 75th percentile | 31 |
- • Tests required: Standardized test scores are part of the standard application package.
How much does University of Illinois Chicago actually cost?
Published tuition is $14,338 for in-state students and $29,884 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $16,500 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $10,974 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 49% of students receive Pell Grants.
| Average net price (after aid) | $10,974 |
Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Illinois Chicago
Most popular majors at University of Illinois Chicago
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Illinois Chicago, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Biology, General, Psychology, General and Computer Science. Across all programs, University of Illinois Chicago confers roughly 2,278 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Biology, General program report a median income of about $66,924 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | 426 | $66,924 |
| Psychology, General | 399 | $54,233 |
| Computer Science | 328 | $116,325 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 296 | $85,957 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 274 | $77,460 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 223 | $58,587 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 168 | $88,275 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 164 | — |
Is University of Illinois Chicago safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Illinois Chicago disclosed 231 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 10.4 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 78 violent offenses and 20 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
Other colleges in Illinois parents ask about
- DePaul University76% acceptance
- Loyola University Chicago82% acceptance
- Illinois State University88% acceptance
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale87% acceptance
- Lake Forest College57% acceptance
- Knox College71% acceptance
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago77% acceptance
- Bradley University77% acceptance
Next steps for University of Illinois Chicago
Common questions parents ask about University of Illinois Chicago
What GPA do I need for University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
What SAT or ACT score does University of Illinois Chicago typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 560–680, with an EBRW midpoint near 595. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–31.
How much does University of Illinois Chicago actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Illinois Chicago after grants and scholarships is $10,974 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $14,338 and $29,884 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of Illinois Chicago realistic for my child?
University of Illinois Chicago admits 77% of applicants, so 560–680 SAT Math is target range and below 560 is a reach. Then check the $10,974 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago accepts about 77% of applicants. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is University of Illinois Chicago test-optional?
No. University of Illinois Chicago requires SAT or ACT scores as part of a standard application.
Is University of Illinois Chicago a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of Illinois Chicago is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois.
What are the most popular majors at University of Illinois Chicago?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of Illinois Chicago by annual graduates are Biology, General, Psychology, General and Computer Science. The school awards about 2,278 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of Illinois Chicago safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of Illinois Chicago reported 231 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 10.4 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of Illinois Chicago, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers