Exploring The University Of Illinois: Student Population Insights

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a large public university in the US, with over 59,000 students enrolled as of Fall 2024. This number includes 37,140 undergraduates and a record number of 20,765 graduate students. The university has seen a record-breaking number of new students in recent years, with a freshman enrollment of 9,008 in Fall 2024.

Undergraduate and graduate student numbers

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a large public university with a total student population of over 59,000. Undergraduate and graduate student numbers vary year on year, but the university typically has around 35,000 to 40,000 undergraduates and 20,000 graduate students.

In 2024, the university had a record-breaking enrolment of 59,238 students, including 37,140 undergraduates and 20,765 graduate students. This was an increase of 7,425 new graduate students compared to the previous year, an 18% increase. The university also welcomed 1,547 transfer students in 2024, with 61% of these students transferring from Illinois community colleges.

UIUC has seen a steady increase in student numbers over the years. In 2018, the university had 45,813 students, with 32,878 undergraduates and 10,245 graduate students. The university's first year in 1868 saw an enrolment of just 77 students.

The university has a large international student population, with over 10,000 international students in 2015, 5,295 of whom were from Mainland China. In 2014, UIUC enrolled 4,898 students from China, making it the largest group of international students on campus, followed by South Korea (1,268) and India (1,167).

Student demographics

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a large university with a total student population of over 59,000, including on-campus and online students. The student body is diverse, with a gender breakdown of 47% women and 53% men, and students from all 50 US states and 123 countries represented on campus. There are over 20,500 students of colour, the most of any top-ranked Midwest university (NCES). The university also has a large international student population, with over 10,000 international students as of 2015, including 5,295 from Mainland China.

UIUC offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs across 16 schools and colleges. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, and an 18-acre campus with a variety of resources and facilities for students. The student body is active and engaged, with over 1,000 student clubs and organisations, a large Greek system, and participation in over 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports.

The university's student population includes a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. As of fall 2023, there were 35,564 undergraduate students enrolled, and as of fall 2024, there were 37,140 undergraduates. The university also has a significant number of graduate students, with over 20,000 enrolled. In recent years, the university has seen a record number of graduate student enrolments, with 7,425 new graduate students enrolling in fall 2024, an 18% increase over the previous year.

The student body at UIUC is diverse, with a range of backgrounds and experiences represented. In recent years, the university has seen an increase in enrolment from underrepresented populations, with a 19% increase in new enrolments from underrepresented groups in fall 2024. This includes a 25% increase in Hispanic student enrolment and a 13% increase in Black student enrolment. The university also has a significant international student population, with students from 48 countries represented in the freshman class in fall 2024.

Student-to-faculty ratio

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the number of faculty members.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a large university with over 59,000 students, including undergraduates, graduates, and professionals. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 US states and 123 countries. There are more than 20,500 students of color on campus, the most of any top-ranked Midwest university. The gender breakdown is 47% women and 53% men.

The university has a strong focus on research, with $652 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2019. It is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution and is a member of the Association of American Universities. The campus library system is the fourth-largest in the United States, with more than 24 million items.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 150 undergraduate and over 100 graduate programs across 15 colleges and schools. The university has a strong reputation in fields such as engineering, computer science, and psychology.

With such a large student body and focus on research, the 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in their studies.

Number of international students

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a large public university with a diverse student body. In 2024, the university had over 59,000 students, including on-campus and online learners. This total comprised 37,140 undergraduates and 20,765 graduate students, with a freshman enrollment of 9,008.

UIUC is a popular choice for international students, with a significant portion of its student population coming from outside the United States. In 2015, over 10,000 students at UIUC were international, and this number has likely grown given the university's total enrollment increase. Of these international students, 5,295 were from Mainland China, making it the largest group of international students on campus. South Korea and India followed with 1,268 and 1,167 students, respectively, in the fall of 2014.

UIUC's international student population is diverse, with students from 48 countries enrolled as of the fall of 2024. The top home countries for incoming freshman international students are China, India, and South Korea. This diversity contributes to a rich cultural exchange on campus and enhances the educational experience for all students.

The university's international student population has a notable impact on campus life and the surrounding community. With students from over 100 countries, UIUC offers a global perspective that enriches the educational experience for all. The large number of international students also contributes to the cultural diversity of the area, exposing both local residents and domestic students to new ideas, customs, and perspectives.

UIUC's international student population benefits from a range of support services and resources offered by the university. The university provides special housing options, such as international student housing, to ensure that international students have a smooth transition to life in the United States and can connect with others in a similar situation. Additionally, UIUC offers comprehensive student services, including academic advising, career services, and cultural adjustment support, to meet the unique needs of international students.

Number of student clubs and organisations

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a wide range of student clubs and organisations, with over 1,000 registered student organisations (RSOs) across campus. The university's website outlines the vast array of student clubs and organisations, with categories including academic, arts and entertainment, cultural and identity-based, political and pre-professional.

The student clubs and organisations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer students the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests, passions and goals. These groups provide a space for students to develop their leadership skills, build community, and explore their hobbies and career interests.

Academic Organisations:

• The Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) is an award-winning organisation that explores career opportunities in agricultural communications.
• The American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers (ASABE) aids in the professional development of agricultural engineering students.
• The Association of Food Technologists (AFT) helps food science students and others interested in the food industry with their collegiate and professional careers.
• The Student Dietetic Association advocates for dietetic students and promotes optimal nutrition, health and well-being within the student community.

Arts and Entertainment Clubs:

• The Illini Equestrians promotes interest in horsemanship and provides educational and competitive events for those interested in the equine field.
• The UIUC Horticulture Club aims to advance members' knowledge and professional development in horticulture, while also promoting horticulture as part of gracious living.
• The Hospitality Management Association (HMA) caters to students pursuing careers in restaurant and hotel management, event planning, catering and other similar sectors.

Cultural and Identity-Based Organisations:

• The American Fisheries Society is for undergraduate and graduate students passionate about fisheries, the environment, outreach and education.
• The Human Interest Professions Club (HIP Club) focuses on volunteer work and organises events to raise awareness of children's issues.
• The Minority in Animal Sciences serves as recognition for underrepresented professionals in animal science-based careers and provides a supportive community for its members.

Political Clubs:

• Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS) is the oldest and largest environmental organisation at the university, dedicated to environmental activism and justice.
• The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) provides students with opportunities to practice their managerial skills and demonstrate their leadership abilities.
• The Pre-Vet Club provides resources and opportunities for students interested in veterinary medicine to gain valuable experience through lectures, shadowing programs and social activities.

Pre-Professional Organisations:

• Alpha Epsilon Delta is the oldest and largest pre-health fraternity on campus, offering members a network of support and professional development opportunities.
• The Financial Planning Club is open to students from any major and offers insights into financial planning as a career path.
• The Institute for Scientific Progress, Innovation, Research and Edutraining (InSPIRE) aims to create Edu-training and workforce opportunities, particularly for underserved communities.

With such a diverse range of student clubs and organisations, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers its students to pursue their passions, develop new skills and build meaningful connections during their time at the university.

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