University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Chicago, Illinois · Updated 31 August 2026
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Tuition per year | $28,000 |
| Living costs per year | $13,200 |
| GRE | Not required |
| STEM OPT (3-year work permit) | Eligible |
| Ranking | Urban R1 Research |
| Campus Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| University Type | Public R1 Urban Research University |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,000 USD / year (~₹23.2 Lakhs) |
| In-State Rate (With TA/RA) | $0 (100% Waived with TA/RA Appointment) |
| Monthly Living Expenses | $1,000 - $1,300 / month |
| Off-Campus Housing Difficulty | 7.5 / 10 (Urban Chicago Apartment Market) |
| Target Admission Cutoff | 7.5+ Indian CGPA (3.2+ US WES GPA) |
Executive Summary: Why Indian Families Choose University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) located in Chicago, Illinois is a premier choice for Indian international students seeking STEM Master's degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering.
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is Chicago's premier public research university, located just minutes from the Loop financial district. UIC offers Indian STEM graduates unmatched access to Fortune 500 headquarters, financial tech exchanges, and tech consulting firms.
Key Pillars for Parents and Students:
- Tech Hub & Recruiter Access: Located near Downtown Chicago Financial & Tech District (Trading Firms, Tech Startups, Healthcare), offering direct career fair access to top US corporate recruiters.
- Graduate Assistantship (TA/RA) Savings: UIC graduate student employees (TAs and RAs) are represented by the GEO union, securing 100% full tuition waivers, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and competitive hourly stipends.
- Off-Campus Student Housing: Students live in nearby neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Medical District, and Pilsen, with easy access to UIC CTA train stations. Shared rent averages $600 to $850/month per student.
2-Year Financial Outlay Breakdown:
| Expense Category | Annual Amount (USD) | When Do You Pay This? | Deep-Dive Playbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,000 USD / year | Semester-wise (Aug & Jan) | Total Cost Breakdown |
| In-State Tuition (With TA/RA) | $0 (100% Waived with TA/RA Appointment) | Semester-wise (Aug & Jan) | Assistantships Ta Ra Ga |
| Off-Campus Housing Rent | $1,000 - $1,300 / month | Monthly to Landlord | Off Campus Housing Lease |
| Health Insurance (ISO Waiver) | ~$800 / year | Annual (Waiver Approved) | Health Insurance Waiver Guide |
Admission Requirements & Application Checklist
To apply for graduate programs at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Indian applicants must submit:
- WES Credential Evaluation: Course-by-course transcript conversion to 4.0 US scale (WES Credential Evaluation Manual).
- GRE / GMAT Test Requirement: GRE Quant 160+ (Waiver available with relevant work experience) (GRE GMAT Waiver Directory).
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.5 Band / Duolingo DET 115+ (TOEFL IELTS Duolingo Cutoffs).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Academic SOP referencing faculty research labs (Sop Lor Resume US Standards).
- Priority Application Deadline: February 15 (Fall Intake) (Priority vs Rolling Deadlines).
Top STEM Master's Programs for International Students
- MS in Computer Science (MS CS) — STEM Designated (
11.0701); AI & Systems Track - MS in Health Informatics — Top-Ranked Urban Health Program
- MS in Management Information Systems (MS MIS) — Business Analytics Focus
- MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering —
Programs at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
| Program | Tuition per year | Living per year | Minimum GPA | IELTS | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer ScienceFall: Feb 15, 2026 · Spring: Jan 12, 2026 | $38,292 | $20,116 | 3.0/4.0 or 75% | 6.5 | Required for international applicants; average minimum 300 GREV+GREQ with at least 140 GREV |
Common Questions (FAQs)
Are CPT summer internships easy to find at UIC?
Yes, UIC's central Chicago location allows students to interview directly with Chicago financial exchanges, tech consultancies, and hospital networks.
Does UIC accept 3-year Indian Bachelor's degrees?
UIC evaluates 3-year Indian degrees (B.Sc, BCA) through WES credential evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
What union represents UIC graduate student employees?
UIC graduate TAs and RAs are represented by the GEO (Graduate Employees Organization), guaranteeing tuition waivers and competitive stipends.
How far is UIC campus from downtown Chicago?
UIC East Campus is located right in the Loop / West Loop, just a 5-minute CTA train ride from Chicago city center.