It’s about that time to start seriously considering where the next chapter in your academic journey is going to be! Being a soon-to-be graduate from the U. of I., I can tell you the next four years will take you places you can’t even imagine. The only bad thing is how fast they go by! In my opinion, the decision to come to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign should be an easy one, but in the case that you aren’t sure if you are going to accept your offer or not, let me tell you why it should be a no-brainer. These are the top 5 reasons to say yes.

Top 10 public school, Top 50 university (Rankings)

It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that this is the first topic on our list. To put it simply, the University of Illinois is a really good school. With 16 colleges, 150 undergraduate programs, and 100 graduate programs, the U. of I. consistently ranks near the top in all sorts of professional fields. While rankings certainly don’t mean everything, they don’t hurt to look at.

In 2025, U.S. News reports that in the United States the University of Illinois is the 9^th best public university and 33rd overall. What’s more important though, is what goes into making up those rankings. Whatever program you have interest in, you can be assured that you are going to get a world class education.

People come from all around the world to learn here, and for good reason. With a wide range of majors, extremely qualified professors, and high job placement after graduation, the U. of I. is highly ranked for a reason!

Athletics opportunities

One of the most electric things about attending Illinois is the athletics. As a founding member of the Big 10, the U. of I. has a rich sports history with something for everyone. With 11 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams, you can go see some of your favorite sports played at the highest level. Our programs have been on the rise for the past few years, so you’re coming in at the perfect time!

If you’re more of a player than a spectator, the university offers club and intramurals teams. The club teams are similar to the official university teams because they travel and play other schools. While there isn’t an “official” NCAA hockey team on campus, there is a club Men’s and Women’s team - this gives students the opportunity to continue playing a sport they love.

 If you’re looking for a more casual experience, grab some friends and sign up for an intramural team. It’s a great, fun way to get some exercise and meet new friends!

After graduation success

Getting a job after college is a big priority and Illinois excels at setting up their students for success. According to data from The Illinois Success Initiative, a program formed by the university to gather and analyze data on the post graduate outcomes of bachelor's degree recipients, reported that in 2023-2024, 90% of graduates secured a first destination location (employment, additional education).

The same data reported that students were placed in 46 states and 17 different countries, so your degree at Illinois can take you around the country and the world! Using the career centers on campus, internship opportunities, and building relationships with your peers and professors will set you up for whatever career path you have in mind. In Illinois, your future is in your hands.

Diverse crowd/Big Campus

The final and my personal favorite reason is the size and diversity of the campus. Over my four years on campus, I have met people from different cities, states, and countries. It’s amazing to learn no matter where and how someone grew up, we have all ended up in the same place! With the student population getting larger every year, there are always places to find others who share your interests, and probably a club too! There are over 1000 clubs at the University of Illinois ranging from academic organizations, athletics, and pretty much any other interest you can think of.

At the University of Illinois, you will be set up for an amazing college experience, and to have the freedom and ability to live how you want.

So, don’t waste any more time, go accept your offer and ILL!