University of Illinois Chicago SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UIC’s 77% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many students, so your strategy should be to show you are stronger than the typical admit. Because UIC is test-optional but 30% submit SAT scores, an SAT near or above 1330 can add clear academic evidence alongside a GPA around 3.55.
⬡ LangSmithb0745351-c688-441b-9daa-d733b0b328c7Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Illinois Chicago facts and stats
University of Illinois Chicago enrolls about 22,495 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. UIC has a freshman retention rate of 80%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 62%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
⬡ LangSmith3864b48c-1025-4e5e-9fdf-be7e94acdcfcChicago, IL
How do your scores compare at UIC?
Key University of Illinois Chicago application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 3
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to UIC, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last retake that can arrive in time, so earlier fall dates give you a safer buffer.
⬡ LangSmith1c13265c-1d80-4c4b-bf4d-b1b37ea1d08bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Illinois Chicago?
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What you'll actually pay
UIC is a public university in the Missouri Valley Conference, with in-state tuition of $11,178 and out-of-state tuition of $26,724. About 69% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is February 15.
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UIC’s out-of-state tuition is $26,724, compared with $11,178 in-state, and room and board is $15,392. Financial aid is common: 69% of students receive aid, with an average package of $19,971, and merit awards average $5,680. Students graduate with average debt of $20,772.
⬡ LangSmith3f098e13-6d57-4a59-a19c-6db3888d782bStudent life at University of Illinois Chicago
15% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 4% of men join fraternities, and 4% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Illinois State University
Normal, ILAcceptance rate: 88.1%
SAT: 1010–1210
ACT: 21–27
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, ILAcceptance rate: 86.9%
SAT: 910–1180
ACT: 18–25
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, ILAcceptance rate: 69.8%
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, ILAcceptance rate: 65.3%
SAT: 900–1130
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