UIUC GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into University of Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a world-renowned public research university known for its excellence in engineering, business, and liberal arts. As one of the original Public Ivies, UIUC maintains highly competitive admission standards while offering exceptional value and opportunities to students worldwide.
Quick Answer: UIUC typically admits students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs between 3.6-4.0.
UIUC GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average GPA
3.83
Unweighted 4.0 scale
Middle 50% Range
3.6 - 4.0
25th to 75th percentile
Acceptance Rate
45.1%
Selective
Weighted GPA
3.9 - 4.3
Including AP/IB courses
GPA Requirements by College
| College/Program | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive GPA |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 3.95 | 3.8 |
| College of Business | 3.92 | 3.75 |
| College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | 3.79 | 3.5 |
| College of Media | 3.81 | 3.6 |
| College of Education | 3.76 | 3.5 |
| College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences | 3.72 | 3.4 |
UIUC Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 57,226
- Students Admitted: 25,807
- Acceptance Rate: 45.1%
- Enrolled Students: 8,303
- Yield Rate: 32.2%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1440
- Average ACT: 32
- Top 10% of Class: 55%
- Illinois Residents: 68%
- International Students: 12%
Admission Rates by Residency
GPA Analysis for UIUC
What GPA Do You Need?
Illinois Residents: GPA of 3.4+ competitive, 3.6+ target
Out-of-State Students: GPA of 3.6+ competitive, 3.8+ target
Engineering/Business: GPA of 3.8+ highly recommended
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Application Strategies for UIUC
High School Course Requirements
Required High School Preparation:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 years for Engineering)
- Science: 2 years (3-4 years for Engineering/Science majors)
- Social Studies: 2 years
- Foreign Language: 2 years (same language)
- Flexible Academic Units: 2 years from core areas or arts
If Your GPA is Below 3.6
- Exceptional Test Scores: SAT 1500+ or ACT 33+ can offset lower GPA
- Strong Essays: Write compelling personal statements explaining your goals
- Rigorous Coursework: Take multiple AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses
- Research Experience: Demonstrate interest through science fairs or projects
- Leadership Activities: Show leadership in school or community organizations
- Illinois Residency: In-state students have better admission chances
UIUC-Specific Application Tips
- Early Action: Apply by November 1st for priority consideration
- Major Selection: Choose your major carefully as some are more competitive
- Research Interests: Highlight specific research opportunities at UIUC
- Campus Involvement: Show interest in student organizations and activities
- Engineering Portfolio: Consider submitting additional materials for engineering
- Illinois Connection: Emphasize ties to Illinois and the Midwest
Competitive Programs at UIUC
Highly Selective Programs:
- Computer Science: Among most competitive, GPA 3.9+
- Business (Gies): Direct admit program, GPA 3.8+
- Engineering: Various specialties, GPA 3.8+
- Pre-Med Track: Strong science preparation required
- Campus Honors Program: Top 5% of applicants
How UIUC Compares
| Big Ten University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| UIUC | 3.83 | 45.1% | 1440 |
| University of Wisconsin | 3.86 | 49.1% | 1450 |
| Ohio State University | 3.78 | 52.7% | 1430 |
| Purdue University | 3.81 | 69.0% | 1420 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use our specialized calculators to assess your UIUC admission chances:
Conclusion
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers world-class education with competitive but achievable admission standards. With a 45% acceptance rate, students with GPAs of 3.7 and above have strong chances of admission, especially Illinois residents who benefit from higher acceptance rates.
UIUC's reputation for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a top-tier public university experience. Focus on maintaining strong grades in challenging courses and demonstrating your passion for your intended field of study through compelling application materials.