UC San Diego vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between UC San Diego and UIUC?

  UC San Diego (UCSD) is a public research university located in La Jolla, California, known for its strong science and engineering programs, particularly in biology, engineering, and oceanography. It operates on a quarter system. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public research university in Illinois, renowned for its engineering, computer science, and business programs. UIUC operates on a semester system. UCSD offers a more coastal, Californian lifestyle, while UIUC provides a more traditional Midwestern college town experience.

• Which university is better for engineering?

  Both UCSD and UIUC have excellent engineering programs, consistently ranked among the top in the nation. UIUC is particularly strong in electrical and computer engineering, while UCSD excels in bioengineering and structural engineering. The 'better' choice depends on your specific engineering discipline and research interests. Consider researching faculty and specific program strengths within each department.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  UCSD's campus is located in La Jolla, a coastal community near San Diego, offering access to beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere. The campus is spread out and modern. UIUC is situated in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, a classic college town environment with a more traditional campus feel. UIUC's campus is more centralized and walkable.

• What are the differences in cost of attendance?

  The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. For California residents, UCSD will generally be less expensive than UIUC. For out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition costs, but the overall cost of living in California (especially housing) can be higher than in Illinois. Be sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

• Which university is better for computer science?

  UIUC is widely considered one of the top computer science programs in the world, with a long and distinguished history. UCSD also has a very strong computer science program, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning. While both are excellent, UIUC generally has a slight edge in overall reputation and resources for computer science.

• How do the research opportunities compare?

  Both UCSD and UIUC are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UCSD benefits from its proximity to numerous biotech and tech companies in the San Diego area, offering research opportunities in those fields. UIUC has a strong research focus across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, and the humanities. Both universities offer numerous research grants and programs to support student research.

• What is the social life like at each university?

  UCSD is sometimes perceived as having a less active social scene compared to other universities, though this is changing. There are many clubs, organizations, and events on campus, but students often need to be proactive in seeking them out. UIUC has a vibrant social life, with a large Greek system, numerous student organizations, and a lively bar and music scene in the surrounding towns. The 'Big Ten' athletic atmosphere also contributes to a strong sense of school spirit at UIUC.

• How do the academic calendars differ?

  UCSD operates on a quarter system, which means the academic year is divided into four terms (fall, winter, spring, and summer), with each term lasting about 10 weeks. UIUC operates on a semester system, with two longer terms (fall and spring) and a shorter summer session. The quarter system at UCSD allows for more focused study on fewer subjects at a time, while the semester system at UIUC provides more time to delve deeper into each subject.

• What are the strengths of each university outside of STEM fields?

  While both universities are known for their STEM programs, UCSD also has strong programs in social sciences, arts, and humanities, particularly in areas like economics, political science, and visual arts. UIUC has excellent programs in business, agriculture, and the humanities, including highly regarded programs in accounting, finance, and creative writing.

• Which university is more diverse?

  Both UCSD and UIUC are diverse universities, but in different ways. UCSD has a higher percentage of Asian American students, while UIUC has a larger international student population. Both universities are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, and offer various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds. Review the official university diversity reports for the most current statistics.