University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UDub)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant tapestry of two esteemed institutions: the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UW Seattle). While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. UIC, rooted in the heart of Chicago, pulsates with urban energy and boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible gateway to higher education. UW Seattle, nestled amidst the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest, attracts a more selective student body and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering and computer science. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover further disparities in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover which university aligns seamlessly with your academic pursuits and personal preferences, propelling you towards a future brimming with success.

	University of Illinois Chicago	University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Seattle, Washington
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.8%	53.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1080 - 1310	N/A
ACT range	23 - 31	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%
Total number of applicants	22,791	48,840
Total number of admissions given out	17,960	26,121
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,177	7,252
Yield rate	23.3%	27.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,176 Out of state: $45,526	In state: $30,640 Out of state: $58,470
Average net price	$10,725	$8,701
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $25,126	In state: $10,927 Out of state: $38,757
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,436 Meal plan: $4,677	$14,871
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	75.0% Average amount $13,420	41.0% Average amount $15,895
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $4,778	19.0% Average amount $4,460
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $17,230	1.0% Average amount $24,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	22,279 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%	36,201 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	11,920 Men 39.9% Women 60.1%	16,233 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	6.3%	N/A
International students	11.4%	14.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,824	11,123
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois California Indiana Wisconsin Michigan	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Education	Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.3%	83.9%
Dropout rate	35.0%	15.6%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,152 Year 2: $111,220 Year 3: $124,034 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $108,092 Year 3: $115,765 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $97,991 Year 2: $101,278 Year 3: $108,049 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,216 Year 2: $94,021 Year 3: $100,439 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,284 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $96,488 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $114,258 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,942 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,271 Year 2: $80,189 Year 3: $92,984 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $52,905 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,772 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,060 Year 2: $68,153 Year 3: $80,429 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,975 Year 2: $70,610 Year 3: $78,062	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $189,764 Year 2: $218,927 Year 3: $206,965 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,990 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $154,987 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $137,584 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $152,099 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,070 Year 2: $127,652 Year 3: $142,606 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $141,725 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $121,620 Year 2: $124,420 Year 3: $137,488 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $121,083 Year 2: $121,294 Year 3: $131,592 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,893 Year 2: $118,349 Year 3: $127,982 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,634 Year 2: $113,228 Year 3: $125,171 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,287 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $121,695

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UIC and UW?

UIC is located in the heart of Chicago, offering a vibrant urban experience with easy access to cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods, and professional opportunities. The campus is integrated into the city. UW, on the other hand, is situated in Seattle, Washington, boasting a beautiful, more traditional campus setting with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Washington. While Seattle is also a major city, UW's campus provides a more distinct and self-contained atmosphere.
How do UIC and UW compare in terms of academic reputation and rankings?

Both UIC and UW are highly regarded universities, but UW generally holds a higher national and global ranking. UW is often recognized for its strong research programs, particularly in STEM fields like computer science and engineering. UIC is also a strong research university, especially known for its health sciences programs and its commitment to serving a diverse student population. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.
What are the typical tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at UIC versus UW?

Tuition costs vary depending on residency status. Generally, UIC tends to have a lower tuition rate, especially for in-state Illinois residents, compared to UW. Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's crucial to check each university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to understand the specific aid packages you might qualify for. Consider using their net price calculators to estimate your out-of-pocket expenses.
Which university, UIC or UW, is better known for specific academic programs?

UW is particularly renowned for its programs in computer science, engineering, medicine, and public health. UIC excels in health sciences (nursing, pharmacy, medicine), architecture, urban planning, and business. If you have a specific academic interest, researching the strengths of each program at both universities is highly recommended.
What is the student body like at UIC compared to UW?

UIC has a more diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of Chicago. It's known for its large population of first-generation college students and its commitment to accessibility. UW also has a diverse student body, drawing students from across the United States and internationally. However, UW's student body is generally larger overall.
How do the career opportunities and internship prospects differ between Chicago (UIC) and Seattle (UW)?

Chicago offers a wide range of career opportunities across various industries, including finance, business, healthcare, and technology. Being located in Chicago, UIC students have easy access to internships and jobs in these sectors. Seattle is a major hub for technology, particularly with companies like Amazon and Microsoft having a significant presence. UW students benefit from these opportunities, especially in computer science and engineering. Your career interests should influence your decision.
What are the housing options like at UIC and UW?

UIC offers a mix of on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments. Many students, especially upperclassmen, choose to live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods. UW has a more extensive on-campus housing system, including residence halls, apartments, and themed communities. On-campus housing is a popular option for UW students, particularly freshmen.
How do the campus cultures and student life differ between UIC and UW?

UIC's campus culture is more integrated with the city of Chicago, with students often taking advantage of the city's cultural and entertainment offerings. Student life at UIC is active, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events. UW has a more traditional campus feel, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and Greek life. The 'Husky Experience' is a big part of UW's culture.
What kind of research opportunities are available at UIC and UW?

Both UIC and UW are research-intensive universities, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UW has a particularly strong reputation for research funding and cutting-edge research facilities. UIC also has significant research activity, especially in health sciences and urban studies. Look into specific faculty and research labs that align with your interests at both universities.
How does the climate and weather differ between Chicago and Seattle, and how might that impact my experience?

Chicago experiences a wider range of temperatures, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Seattle has a milder, more temperate climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Seattle is known for its frequent rainfall. Consider your tolerance for different weather conditions when making your decision. If you prefer milder weather, Seattle might be a better fit. If you don't mind experiencing all four seasons, Chicago could be a good choice.

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