University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign SAT & ACT Scores
Enrolled first-years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who reported the SAT had a middle-half range of 1390–1520 and a median of 1442, while ACT reporters scored 31–34. Illinois admitted 36.6% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class. Testing is optional for fall 2027: you choose whether to include SAT or ACT scores, and you can apply without them.
Where does your score land?
Compared with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Illinois is test-optional for all first-year applicants; applicants who skip the SAT/ACT and did not complete recent schooling in an approved English-speaking country must send an English proficiency test.
Superscoring. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign does not superscore the SAT or the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Illinois first made the SAT and ACT optional for applicants entering in fall 2021. A state law signed in 2021 bars Illinois public universities from requiring test scores from Illinois residents, and in 2022 the campus Senate kept the policy for all applicants, including international and homeschooled students. If you report scores, list your highest ACT composite or highest SAT total; Illinois does not superscore. You may report your highest section scores even if they come from different test dates, and official scores are needed only if you enroll. One catch: if you apply without scores and did not complete your recent high school years in an approved country where English is the official language, you must send an English test such as the TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo English Test.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1390–1520, and the median was 1442.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1390 | 1442 | 1520 |
| Reading & Writing | 690 | 720 | 750 |
| Math | 700 | 760 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who reported scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 43% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Among enrolled first-years who reported the SAT, the median total was 1442. A quarter scored 1390 or below, and a quarter scored 1520 or above. Section ranges were 690–750 in Reading and Writing and 700–790 in Math.
43% of enrolled first-years reported an SAT score, so the range leaves out everyone admitted without one. Applicants tend to report scores when the scores help, so treat the range as a picture of successful reporters, not a minimum.
Illinois also says your choice of major can affect your review. That makes the campus-wide range a rough guide, not a target for every program.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 31–34 on the ACT, with a median of 32.3.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 31 | 32.3 | 34 |
| English | 32 | — | 35 |
| Math | 29 | — | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who reported scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 14% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
ACT reporters in the fall 2025 entering class had a composite range of 31–34 and a median of 32.3. English scores ran 32–35, and Math scores ran 29–35.
14% of enrolled first-years reported the ACT. Illinois does not use the ACT writing test, and it asks for your highest composite rather than a superscore, though you can list your best section scores from any date. If you have taken both tests, report the one that sits higher in these ranges.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign acceptance rate
Moderately competitive: 36.6% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants83,045
- Admitted30,384
- Acceptance rate36.6%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Action (non-binding, not restrictive) and Regular Decision; no Early Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Illinois offers non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision. It does not have an Early Decision plan.
What to aim for
If you plan to report scores, an SAT at or above 1442 or an ACT at or above 32.3 puts you at the middle of enrolled reporters, and 1520 or 34 puts you near the top quarter. If your best score is below 1390 or 31, applying without scores is a reasonable choice.
Illinois says everything you submit is used to review you for admission, honors programs and merit scholarships. Beyond test scores, that means your self-reported courses and grades, your essays, your activities and your choice of major, which Illinois says can affect your review.
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | 34.3% | 1330 | 1250–1420 | 27–33 | Required |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 36.6% | 1442 | 1390–1520 | 31–34 | Test-optional |
| William & Mary | 37% | 1450 | 1390–1520 | 32–34 | Test-optional |
| Binghamton University | 37.3% | 1410 | 1320–1480 | 31–34 | Test-optional |
| University of California - Santa Barbara | 38.2% | — | — | — | Test-blind |
| North Carolina State University | 39.5% | 1390 | 1310–1440 | 25–32 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Illinois is test-optional for all first-year applicants; applicants who skip the SAT/ACT and did not complete recent schooling in an approved English-speaking country must send an English proficiency test. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign does not superscore the SAT or the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1442 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1390–1520, so a quarter scored 1520 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
A score at or above 1520 puts you in the top quarter of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrolled first-years, and 1390–1520 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 31–34, with a median of 32.3 (fall 2025 entering class). A 34 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's acceptance rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admitted 36.6% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (30,384 of 83,045), which makes it moderately competitive.
How many University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 43% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 14% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.