Help! University of Illinois vs. University of Michigan

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted to both UIUC and UMich. The only issue is that I’m not sure which school I want to attend. I don’t live in either state, so they will both cost roughly the same amount. I received no grants from UIUC and I am still waiting to hear my back from UMich about my financial aid package. I got into the school of Engineering for Computer Engineering at both schools. Which should I chose?? I like UMich’s social scene and how big they are on sports, although I am not familiar with UIUC’s social life. I also really appreciate the huge alumni association of UMich. I like how at UMich you take general engineering classes in all fields as a freshman and do not have to declare your major until your sophomore year becasue I may want to change my major. I also like how engineering students do not have to take English classes at UMich, I really do not like English. How does UIUC compare? I have been to UMich and absolutely loved the campus and I am going to visit UIUC very soon, but I have to make my decision by May 1. Feedback from prospective, current, and past students from either school would be extremely helpful. </p>

<p>Which schools have better job placement or are they about the same?
Which has a better campus?
Which school has a more spirited student body?
Which has the better engineering program?
How is Greek life at both schools?
How do the extracurriculars compare?</p>

<p>Any other general information to help me choose would be great.</p>

2

<ol>
<li>I can’t comment on job placement, but there is probably not that much of a difference.</li>
<li>As a UIUC alum, I have to admit that I think that Michigan has a better campus.</li>
<li>There is probably more campus spirit on the Michigan campus as they have better athletics.</li>
<li>The engineering program at Illinois Is ranked higher, but not by that much.</li>
<li>There is a lot to do on the UIUC campus, but the outskirts of town is rather boring, or at least I was there.</li>
<li>The Greek system is larger at Illinois; in fact it has the largest Greek system in the world. However, The social life at Illinois does not revolve around the Greek system.</li>
<li>I think both campuses have a wide variety of extracurricular activities.</li>
</ol>

<p>In summary, I think that you are going to get a great education in engineering regardless of the campus that you go to. Illinois is cheaper for out-of-state students than Michigan would be for out-of-state students. I definitely urge you to make a trip to the Illinois campus. I really don’t think you can go wrong being at either school.</p>

3

<p>Since costs are the same, definitely Michigan. Either school will get you to where you want to go, but Ann Arbor is a much better town than UC.</p>

4

<p>“Which schools have better job placement or are they about the same?”</p>

<p>For engineering jobs, both are very well recruited. Michigan = UIUC here</p>

<p>“Which has a better campus?”</p>

<p>That’s a matter of taste. We each have our preferences. I personally like Michigan’s campus better, but you will soon be visiting, so you can be the judge.</p>

<p>“Which school has a more spirited student body?”</p>

<p>It is hard, and frankly quite scary, to imagine a more spirited student body than Michigan’s. I would have to give Michigan the edge here. </p>

<p>“Which has the better engineering program?”</p>

<p>Both are awesome in Engineering. In terms of research activity, I would probably give UIUC a slight edge in EE and CE, but at the undergraduate level, they are about equal. </p>

<p>“How is Greek life at both schools?”</p>

<p>Both universities have strong and active Greek scenes, but in neither school does it dominate. I would estimate that roughly 15% of Michigan undergrads and 20% of UIUC undergrads are Greek. Students can rush if they wish to, but it is not seen as the only social option at either university.</p>

<p>“How do the extracurriculars compare?”</p>

<p>I would assume both universities have unlimited extra curricular options. Research their offerings on their respective websites should give you a clearer picture. </p>

<p>It really depends on personal preference, but I would recommend Michigan. I prefer its more geographically diverse student body and I like Ann Arbor better than Urbana-Champaign. Depending on where you come from, getting to Ann Arbor is a little easier than getting to UC thanks to its proximity to the Detroit Metro Airport.</p>

5

<p>My understanding is that Greek life dominates in Champaign. I would also have to challenge Alexandre’s statement that Michigan students are more spirited than Illinois. I would say they are about the same. I do agree with Alexandre that Michigan has a more geographically diverse student body, Ann Arbor is easier to get to and that Ann Arbor is a better college town than UC. Also, if it is any indication, vast numbers of Chicago kids come to Michigan every year despite the cost of OOS tuition where the reverse is not common. Neither is a bad choice but if OOS for both I would recommend Michigan.</p>