University of Illinois Chicago admits 78.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UIC in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates UIC's selectivity aligns closely with similar large public research universities. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students have strong admission prospects, though students should still demonstrate academic readiness for university-level coursework. UIC's open access approach supports its mission as a public institution serving diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Students should approach UIC as a likely admission option while ensuring their academic preparation meets university standards. The combination of accessible admission with strong post-graduation outcomes makes UIC an attractive option for students seeking both opportunity and results. This admission profile indicates that UIC prioritizes broad educational access while maintaining academic standards that support student success through graduation.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Illinois Chicago typically demonstrate strong academic credentials. SAT scores range from 1120 at the 25th percentile to 1340 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 1242. Most admitted students score between 1120 and 1340, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores span 560 to 680, while SAT Verbal scores range from 560 to 660. ACT scores range from 25 to 32 with a midpoint of 27. UIC's SAT midpoint of 1242 exceeds the peer median of 1198 by 44 points, indicating the institution attracts academically stronger students than typical for large public universities. ACT scores similarly outperform peers, with UIC's midpoint of 27 compared to a peer median of 25. These test score ranges place UIC in the excellent tier for academic selectivity, reflecting strong student academic preparation. Students scoring within the middle 50% ranges demonstrate competitive academic credentials for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should consider whether their academic preparation aligns with UIC's expectations, while recognizing that test scores represent just one factor in admission decisions. The combination of accessible admission rates with strong student academic credentials suggests UIC successfully balances broad access with academic quality.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Illinois Chicago enrolls a notably diverse student body that reflects its urban public mission. The institution serves 49.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly half of enrolled students come from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 44.4% of enrollment, demonstrating UIC's significant role in providing college access to students whose parents did not complete bachelor's degrees. Transfer students represent 31.7% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students from community colleges and other pathways. This composition places UIC well above typical selectivity peers in serving students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The combination of high Pell and first-generation shares with strong academic credentials suggests UIC attracts academically prepared students from varied socioeconomic circumstances. Students from lower-income families should recognize that nearly half of their potential classmates share similar economic backgrounds, creating a supportive environment for students navigating college as a first-in-family experience. Transfer students will find substantial community, given that roughly one in three students followed similar pathways to UIC.
With UIC's 78.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should expect admission. However, students seeking alternative options can find institutions with similar outcomes and different profiles.
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University of Illinois Chicago demonstrates solid student retention and completion outcomes. 78.4% of freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating room for improvement in first-year student support. The six-year graduation rate reaches 60.3%, below the peer median of 65.9%. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at 66.5%, creating a positive 6.2 percentage point gap where low-income students outperform the overall average. This reverse completion gap is noteworthy and suggests UIC provides particularly effective support for students from lower-income backgrounds. The higher Pell completion rate indicates that once enrolled, students from lower-income families find pathways to degree completion despite potential financial challenges. Students should view UIC's retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will encounter. Lower-income students should find encouragement in the positive Pell completion gap, suggesting the institution has developed effective strategies for supporting students from their backgrounds through graduation. Prospective students should plan to utilize available academic and financial support resources to maximize their likelihood of degree completion.
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