Make the August SAT your best yet! Join Camp Acely

Public
Large
Missouri Valley Conference

University of Illinois Chicago SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1140 to 1330
ACT Range25 to 31
Average GPA3.55
Acceptance Rate77.3%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Chicago, IL

Undergrad Enrollment22,495
Freshman Retention80%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio17:1
Graduation Rate62%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at UIC?

Admission Eligibility Calculator

Enter your scores to see how you compare to admitted students and what aid you could unlock.

Your SAT Score
Your GPA (optional)
SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key University of Illinois Chicago application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

February 3

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Priority Deadline

November 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Illinois Chicago?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

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.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$11,178
Out-of-State Tuition$26,724
Room and Board$15,392
Average Merit Award$5,680
Application Fee$60
Students on Aid69%
Average Aid Package$19,971
Average Debt at Grad$20,772

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.

Student life at University of Illinois Chicago

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Symphony orchestra
Dance
Musical theater
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Film society
Student government
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

15% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: No guarantee

Coed
Living-learning
Wellness
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 4% of men join fraternities, and 4% of women join sororities.

Similar schools

Private not-for-profit
Small

Acceptance rate: 100%

View school
Private not-for-profit
Medium

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL

Acceptance rate: 62.8%

SAT: 1040–1260

ACT: 21–29

View school
Private not-for-profit
Medium

Acceptance rate: 80.8%

SAT: 900–1160

ACT: 21–29

View school
Public
Medium

Acceptance rate: 100%

View school

Ready to fit University of Illinois Chicago's core benchmarks?

Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.

Start your free trial