Undergraduate Admissions
Admission to The Grainger College of Engineering is the first step toward doing the impossible and becoming an engineer innovator. Our top-ranked undergraduate majors challenge your imagination, helping you to find your place and passion. Here, you will join a community of brilliant students and faculty that will support you in achieving your goals.
Undergraduate Application Process
At Grainger Engineering, you apply directly to your engineering major of interest. This enables immediate interaction with faculty and peers in the department, builds community, and assists your involvement in research and extracurriculars related specifically to your academic goals.
- Select a program of study that best fits your skills, interests, and goals.
- Review and gather all application requirements to prepare for each stage of the application process.
- Complete the online application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- The University sends out communication via email. Applicants are encouraged to carefully read all emails sent from the Department and University to ensure no additional forms are needed after submission of the online application.
All engineering applications are submitted through the University of Illinois Office of Undergraduate Admissions. First-year applicants can apply to UIUC in one of three different ways: through myIllini, Coalition, or the Common App. We don't give preference based on application type. Transfer applicants apply to UIUC through myIllini.
Begin Undergraduate Application
If you have already applied, your application status can be accessed at any time through our admissions portal.
If you have been admitted to Grainger Engineering, you can accept your offer, manage your admitted student checklist, and complete your enrollment requirements.
Which major is right for you?
Take our majors quiz to discover which of our 16 top-ranked programs match best with your interests.
What We Look for in an Applicant
The Grainger College of Engineering is home to some of the most innovative problem solvers and creative thinkers in engineering. Accordingly, we review all applications holistically, taking a wide variety of factors into consideration during the admission process to ensure all admitted students are best fit for success in the Grainger community.
The Office of Admissions reviews the following as part of the first-year student application process. For more information about how we review transfer applicants, please visit the campus admissions site.
High School Coursework
Taking advanced classes can increase your chance of being accepted to UIUC, as tougher coursework proves you like a challenge and are willing to work hard. Taking rigorous coursework in subject areas related to your future major also demonstrates an interest and strong foundation in your future academic track. We want you to challenge yourself given what’s available at your school, provided you can still be successful inside and outside of the classroom.
First-Year Major-Specific Criteria
- Strong math and science coursework and performance
- Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Interest in improving society through engineering
- Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected
Extracurricular Involvement
Extracurricular activities, work, volunteer experience, and achievement outside the classroom demonstrate personal strengths and skills that could contribute to the Grainger Engineering community. We look for students who are going to continue that involvement once on campus and participate in the wealth of activities found at Illinois.
ACT/SAT (if provided)
We accept either the ACT or SAT, and we don’t prefer one over the other. If you provide your scores, they will be used in our decision-making process, as well as for course placement and academic advising. They may also be a factor when it comes to scholarship and aid decisions. For the middle 50% score range, view our class profile.
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test
A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score may be required or strongly recommended to demonstrate a command of the English language.
Awards and Notable Accomplishments
We will take note if you have demonstrated a significant impact or level of accomplishment in your school, community, state, and/or national activities.
Writing Prompts for First-Year Applicants
You'll answer two to three short-answer prompts as part of your application. The questions you'll answer will depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program, and if you've selected a second choice. Each short-answer response should be approximately 150 words.
You'll also answer one essay prompt as part of your application. Your options will depend on which application you use to apply.
Campus Admissions Guidance on Writing Prompts
Essay Questions for Transfer Applicants
Transfer applicants apply directly to their intended Grainger Engineering major. You’ll answer one to two essays as part of your application, depending on whether you’ve selected a second-choice major. Essays should be 300 to 400 words each.
Undergraduate Tuition and Financial Aid
At the University of Illinois, we understand that an undergraduate degree from The Grainger College of Engineering is a significant investment in achieving your goals. We work to ensure all students are supported as they navigate the process of financing their degree, and we will work with you and your family to understand Grainger Engineering’s tuition and fees, as well as financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Learn More About Tuition & Financial Aid
Planning a Campus Visit
Visiting Grainger Engineering is the best way to see how you fit into our vibrant community. You will learn more about our state-of-the-art labs and research centers, as well as our residence halls and student life spaces. We offer a range of visit types, tailoring them directly to your application status and individual interests. This allows you to envision your future at The Grainger College of Engineering. Learn more and schedule your visit today.
Contact the Grainger Engineering Admissions Team
The Grainger Engineering Admissions Team is ready to help you navigate every step of the admissions process. Do not hesitate to contact our team with any questions; our contact information can be found below.
First-Year Students
Email: engineering@illinois.edu
Call: 217-333-2280
Fax: 217-333-0015
Transfer Students
Email: engineeringtransfers@illinois.edu
Your future starts here.
Applying to The Grainger College of Engineering opens the door to your future as a successful engineer. Get started by scheduling a visit, requesting information, or submitting your application.