Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Worth It?
Champaign, IL · Small city · 36,258 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a R1 Research University located in small city in Champaign, IL. It enrolls approximately 36,258 students. The acceptance rate is 42%, making it moderately selective. 85% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $81,054 median earnings and $19,500 median debt, median debt equals about 3 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 79% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
3.85 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 164 of 261, grade F.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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