University of Illinois Chicago: Courses, Fees and Rankings

Imagine studying in the heart of one of the most exciting cities in the world, where opportunity and innovation surround you. That’s life at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)—a dynamic institution that has been shaping bright minds since 1982. It also ranks 21st in the QS World University Rankings. Spanning 244 acres, UIC’s urban campus is home to a diverse community of over 33,900 students, each pursuing their passions in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. With 94 bachelor’s, 102 master’s, and 64 doctoral programs across 16 colleges, the university offers endless possibilities to explore, learn, and make an impact. So let us learn everything you need to know about the University of Illinois Chicago graduate programs, courses, housing, costs, and much more!

About the University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago offering students the perfect blend of urban excitement and academic excellence. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students benefit from a supportive learning environment. It is also known for being the largest medical school in the United States by enrollment with the UIC College of Medicine training over 1300 medical students. The university’s spirit comes alive through its blue and red school colors and its beloved mascot, Sparky D. Dragon, fostering a strong sense of community. UIC Chicago has also shaped the careers of influential alumni, including Carol Moseley Braun, the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and Adrian Smith, the visionary architect behind the Burj Khalifa.

University of Illinois Chicago Rankings

The University of Illinois Chicago is often ranked among the top universities in the US, due to its high standard for academic excellence. The University of Illinois Chicago ranks 4th in the list of the Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America according to Niche. It ranks 21st in the QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked 5th among the best colleges for Philosophy in America and ranks high among the public universities in Chicago. Here are all the rankings of the University of Illinois Chicago.

University of Illinois Chicago Courses

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a diverse selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, ensuring that students at every stage of their academic and professional journey find their perfect fit. Whether you're starting your undergraduate studies, looking to advance your career with a graduate degree, or pursuing a PhD to enhance your expertise, UIC provides top-tier academic opportunities. University of Illinois Chicago majors like business, engineering, technology, and the arts and humanities, are famed to be some of the top courses in the country. For those aiming to excel in the business world, the University of Illinois Chicago MBA program delivers a rigorous curriculum designed to develop leadership and strategic thinking. Here are all the courses that the UIC offers.

Undergraduate Degrees

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) degrees are highly valued in the job market, providing graduates with strong career opportunities. Some of the most popular University of Illinois Chicago majors include psychology, finance, and computer science, which blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. UIC’s programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields or pursue further studies. Below is a list of UIC’s undergraduate colleges and the bachelor's degree programs they offer.

Postgraduate Degrees

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a diverse array of postgraduate programs, like City Design, Early Childhood Education, Design Criticism, and more. These specialized courses highlight UIC's commitment to interdisciplinary education and its capacity to provide students with distinctive learning opportunities. Such programs equip students with a robust foundation to excel in their chosen fields. Here is a list of postgraduate programs that are offered by the University of Illinois Chicago.

PhD Programs

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a diverse range of doctoral programs, enabling students to engage in advanced research, drive innovation, and pursue careers in academia, industry, or government. PhD students at UIC collaborate closely with esteemed faculty members on pioneering research projects and benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. Below is an overview of some of the notable PhD programs offered at UIC.

University of Illinois Chicago Tuition Fees

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a comprehensive range of graduate programs across disciplines such as business, engineering, healthcare, and the arts, and remains one of the cheapest university in Chicago. As a prominent public research institution, UIC provides quality education at a more accessible cost compared to many private colleges in the Chicago area. University of Illinois Chicago costs for graduate programs for the first year are $14,052 for Illinois residents and $30,356 for non-residents.

University of Illinois Chicago Scholarships

The University of Illinois Chicago offers various scholarships to its students like the UIC Merit Scholarship, UIC SnAP, and many more. UIC scholarships range from covering partial tuition costs to fully funded scholarships. An excellent opportunity for aspiring students to move closer to their dream is amberscholar. Amberscholar provides $12000 in scholarships for students who wish to study in the university of their choice. So what are you waiting for, apply to amberscholar today!

University of Illinois Chicago Admissions Process

The admission process for undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) differs due to the varying document requirements for each program. University of Illinois Chicago degrees Here is a detailed admissions guide for UIC. Understanding these different admission processes will help you navigate how to apply to the UIC successfully!

Admission Process for Bachelor’s Degrees

1. Fill in the Common Application.

2. Pay a $60 application fee.

3. Submit high school transcripts.

4. Submit SAT/ACT courses (optional).

5. Some programs require interviews, portfolios, or interviews.

Admission Process for Master’s Degrees

1. Complete the application on the UIC website.

2. Pay the application fee which differs from course to course.

3. Submit high school transcripts and graduation transcripts.

4. Depending on the program submit GRE/GMAT.

5. Non-native speakers must submit IELTS or TOEFL depending on the course requirement.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for UIC are rigorous, and applicants must be meticulous when submitting their applications and required documents. It is essential to review whether you meet the qualifications for admission to UIC. The university offers a wide range of University of Illinois Chicago degrees across various disciplines, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students. However, the eligibility requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs differ in the following ways:

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor’s Degrees

1. Educational Background: Applicants should be current high school students or high school graduates who have not attended a college or university post-graduation

2. Academic Requirements: A strong academic record with a competitive GPA, and completion of college preparatory courses is recommended.

3. Standardized Test Scores: Submission of SAT or ACT scores is considered if submitted but not required. A minimum SAT score of 1070 and an ACT score of 24 are required.

4. Additional Materials: Letters of recommendation are considered but not required.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degrees

1. Educational Background: Applicants must have earned at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a recognized foreign institution.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum GPA of 2.75/4.00.

3. Standardized Test Scores: Depending on the program, submission of GRE, GMAT, or other relevant test scores may be required.

4. English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

5. Additional Materials: Letters of recommendation, Personal statement or statement of purpose, resume or curriculum vitae. Some programs may require a writing sample or portfolio.

University of Illinois Chicago Student Life

Located in the windy city, UIC offers students a dynamic urban campus with state-of-the-art facilities, diverse cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community. Student reviews also highlight how professors and teaching assistants have been very helpful and encouraging. UIC fosters student engagement through over 400 student organizations, including the UIC Robotics Club, Business Scholars, and Undergraduate Student Government. The university also takes pride in its energetic athletic culture, with students rallying behind the UIC Flames.

Beyond campus life, students can explore some of the safe areas in Chicago, such as West Loop, Wicker Park, and Hyde Park, each offering unique experiences. The city is packed with top-rated restaurants and cafés like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, The Allis, and Sawada Coffee, ensuring an exciting food scene. Students who enjoy the nightlife can enjoy some of the best clubs in Chicago, which are in the vicinity of UIC. Whether enjoying Chicago’s renowned museums, lakeside parks, or music festivals, UIC students have access to one of the best community colleges in Chicago!

Why Should You Apply to the University of Illinois Chicago?

1. Strong Career Outcomes: The university boasts a placement rate of 94%, with many graduates securing employment shortly after graduation.

2. Research Prowess: UIC receives over $509 million in research funding, fueling innovation across a wide range of fields.

3. Diverse Internships: Students gain internship opportunities in a wide variety of fields through employers like Amazon, Motorola Solutions, Starbucks, Tesla, and many more.

4. Varied Academic Offerings: With 94 undergraduate, 64 doctoral, and 102 graduate programs, UIC caters to various academic interests, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in one of the best universities and colleges in Chicago.

5. Lively Campus Life: The university has a huge campus of over 244 acres, that has a varied set of facilities. Students get opportunities to research, play sports, engage in academics, and participate in extracurricular activities in their day-to-day lives.

University of Illinois Chicago Notable Alumni

The UIC has shaped the careers of exceptional individuals across various fields, including politics, architecture, journalism, business, and sports. However, the university is particularly known for producing influential leaders, renowned architects, award-winning journalists, and accomplished athletes. These alumni have earned recognition through their dedication and contributions to their respective industries. Among the University of Illinois Chicago alumni, here are 10 notable figures who have brought prestige to the university through their outstanding achievements!

1. Carol Moseley Braun (Graduated in 1972) - Studied law at UIC before becoming the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.

2. Adrian D. Smith (Graduated in 1969) - Studied architecture at UIC, and is famous for designing the Burj Khalifa.

3. Curtis Granderson (Graduated in 2003) - Studied Business administration at UIC before becoming a professional major league baseball player and philanthropist.

4. Michael Gross (Graduated in 1970) - Studied drama at UIC, and is known for his role in the TV series ‘Family Ties’. 

5. James R. Thompson (Graduated in 1959) - Studied law at UIC, and was the longest-serving governor of Illinois.

6. Justin Hartley (Graduated in 1999) - Studied theater at UIC, and is known for his roles in ‘This is Us’ and ‘Smallville’.

7. Jerry Krause (Graduated in the 1960s) - Became the general manager of the Chicago Bulls during their 1990s championship runs.

8. William M. Daley (Graduated in 1975) - Studied law at UIC before becoming the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and White House Chief of Staff.

9. Bernard Shaw (Graduated in 1966) - Studied history at UIC before becoming a prominent journalist and CNN anchor.

10. Luis Gutiérrez (Graduated in 1977) - Studied language at UIC before becoming a U.S. representative known for his work on immigration reform.

Student Housing at the University of Illinois Chicago

Although there are accommodations for students at the UIC, UIC students prefer to live off campus because it gives them more freedom and flexibility. Numerous neighborhoods surrounding UIC provide convenient and comfortable living options, whether you're searching for a shared space with roommates or a contemporary apartment close to campus.

Modern apartments with facilities like study lounges, fitness centers, and convenient access to campus are available in well-known student housing communities close to the UIC. Amber provides a range of accommodations that are suited to various needs and preferences for students looking for safe and reasonably priced off-campus housing close to UIC. The best options for off-campus housing close to UIC are listed here!

1. Addams Coliving - Just 5 minutes from the university, this property has a variety of facilities like parking, a fitness center, an elevator, and much more. This property has a variety of private room options to suit all your needs!

2. Tailor Lofts - Located 5 minutes from the university, the property has several facilities like a game room, free internet access, a 24-hour fitness center, and much more. This property also has private room options for students!

3. Pilsen Coliving -  Just 5 minutes away from UIC, this property offers facilities like parking, a clubhouse, a fitness center, and much more. This property has private room options, made for students who need their privacy.

4. The Buckingham - Just 10 minutes from the university, this property has a list of exclusive facilities like a 24-hour fitness center, rooftop, student lounge, unmatched views, and many more. This property has shared and private room options to suit the student's needs.

5. June Homes 60642 - 15 minutes from the university, this property has facilities like street parking, Wifi, furnished common areas, and many more. This property also has private rooms for students to live in peace.