University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities College Comparison
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Rank Comparison
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus Comparison
Student’s views on campus
Views on U of I campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership - Batch of 2026
4.3
A big university in a small town with modern facilities.
Tips: The university is truly awesome, you don't have to worry about that. If you are looking for a calm but fun town to spend your 5 years of the Ph.D, then you are looking at the right place. It's very fresh in here. If you are expecting US city life, then you probably need to go to Chicago, which is around 3 hours away from here. There are many on-campus jobs available and even plenty of off-campus jobs as well. If you are a graduate student, it's even better because you can work with professors on their research projects. The hourly pay is also not bad as the expenses in this town are very low. Overall, I am very satisfied with the environment, people, university culture, eating out options, etc.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): In general, there are fewer immigration options in the US. Provided the current scenario, the opportunities are getting even fewer. If I get a chance to permanently immigrate to the US, I would definitely not think twice about it. But the chances are better if you are from a STEM field or Academia.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025Read more

Keval Morabia 
Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Batch of 2020
4.5
One of the best CS grad schools where I was able to make net positive money during my Masters!
Tips: Do not let cold weather be a reason for not joining UIUC, you get used to it. Apart from the thesis, there is no difference between MS and MS programme and both are considered the same for job applications but the thesis programme helps you improve your profile by getting to work with a professor on a research project. Computer Science programme has decent TA/RA opportunities and if you get one, you get 100% fee waiver and $2500 monthly stipend which is well above the monthly expenses. Post covid, intake to the professional MS programme has significantly increased from ~60 to ~300 resulting in a lot more competition to get a TA/RA.
Likes (Quality of faculty): UIUC has some of the best faculty in Computer Science, many times professors teach content that has been published in books by themselves. UIUC has many diverse professors, a very wide choice of course selection and a lot of flexibility in choosing courses.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Since Urban-Champaign is a college town, there are not that many Indian restaurants and for people who eat Jain food, there are hardly any food options outside. But there are many events in the department buildings where you can occasionally get free Pizzas.
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024Read more

Akash Singh 
Master of Science in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Batch of 2022
5
Best campustown in USA which gives you most bang for your buck compared to anywhere in states
Tips: Very accommodating culture. It will be the best experience of your life. Teachers are very knowledgeable. MS programme can be tailored to your liking where you can take courses from any department without much restrictions. This happened to be the best experience of my life.
Likes (Safety): Campustown is organized in a manner where all the students converge to Green Street where we have everything needed creating an awesome environment to meet new people and have fun. Cricket lovers can join Cricket Club of Illinois for a rewarding cricket experience and tons of tournaments in summer.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Faculty is very approachable and compassionate. After first semester most Masters student can find a RA or TA position. Try to meet with the faculty and show what drives you to do research and teaching and you will get a way around. The faculty is well-educated and mostly from universities ranked above UIUC.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.1
Most people and faculty are friendly.
Tips: Champaign is the best town to live in for those coming to the US for the first time. Pros such as low rent, a friendly campus, etc. can be of help. I availed a Research Assistantship which resulted in a tuition fee waiver. Very satisfied with my courses and the University.
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.9
My Review on doing a Masters in UIUC
Tips: Since the university is in Illinois, the weather during the winters is brutal, which most Indians will find difficult to adapt to. Hence I advise you to buy proper winter clothes when winter approaches. The grocery stores on or near campus are also expensive, so you need to learn how to buy food in bulk without wasting anything. UIUC has a large diaspora of not only Indians but other nationalities as well, so socializing is necessary but not tedious. Despite this, feelings of loneliness can set in since everyone will be busy studying for their courses, which one should be prepared for.
Likes (Public transportation): The campus has a functional transportation service which is free for students of UIUC, with plenty of buses there to reach most parts of Champaign-Urban. Despite buses taking more time to reach the destination you wish to go to, the part that is already included in your tuition fees is convenient since one pays $60 as public transportation fees.
Dislikes (Value for money): Since I did my Masters in Aerospace Engineering, finding internships for myself was tedious due to ITAR. And unlike Indian institutes, we have to find internships by ourselves because most companies that come to the career fair look for US citizens only, though I would advise going to the career fair anyway to network.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2024Read more
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Ayush Sharma 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
4.3
You will be required to work hard.
Tips: UIUC is a work hard-play hard type of university. If you're into that, then definitely do apply! Also keep in mind that UIUC does not give out many scholarships to international students.
The research opportunities are great here, along with more than 1000+ clubs and organizations.
Likes (Public transportation): The bus transportation system is one of the best in the country. The bus system is free for all students, and the bus network extends beyond the campus, to the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. There are a number of buses, which means there's never a shortage or long waiting time on them. Buses are also more so generally they are quite on time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many authentic versions of Indian dishes in the dining halls. Although, you could get Indian food in restaurants outside the campus. Some days, in particular dining halls such as ISR, Indian food is provided in the form of samosas or paneer, however I wouldn't rely on the authenticity.
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2023Read more
R
Rishabh Asthana 
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2017
4.2
Life changing and worthwhile experience.
Tips: Before you join this university, it is important to prepare beforehand regarding the course curriculum and academic requirements. If possible, get a tour of the campus before you permanently move in and join whatever informative sessions are held. Part- time opportunities are not so great.
Reviewed on 31 May 2024Read more
Views on University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2027
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
4.7
UMN offers great connections and assistance with the industry in helping land internships.
Tips: Not being mentally prepared to face or embrace the culture and weather changes can be detrimental, but overall, it's a great university to study at. Scholarships are available, offered based on the profile and kind of degree. Mostly PhDs get plenty of funding through research assistantships or teaching assistantships. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is a great place to study. Overall, I am really satisfied with this university and recommend it to others.
Likes (Student Life): The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities has a beautiful campus, with tunnels to use for commuting during tough winters. Heated rooms make it easier to get through those winters. There are a lot of student groups here, too, with lots of Indians who hold events that really make me feel like I'm home when we celebrate holidays like Holi and Ram Janmastami.
Dislikes (Internships): UMN offers great portals called Handshake/careers to either apply to off-campus internships or on-campus research positions in the field of study. Professors have great connections with the industry and offer great assistance both in helping land internships and offering referrals directly. UMN has a career centre that helps with resume editing and workshops to sharpen communication skills and enhance speaking abilities, and the available internships are definitely relevant.
Reviewed on 2 May 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2027
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
5
University of Minnesota is a bit challenging yet it's rewarding.
Tips: Before joining the University of Minnesota, students should be prepared for a rigorous academic course load and cold weather. But the professors and research opportunities more than make up for it. I love the professors and the specialised research. I didn't initially get a scholarship, but there are a lot of opportunities to work as a research assistant. This would allow your tuition to be waived off, and you will get paid well, somewhere ranging between 25-30 dollars. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
MS in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology - Batch of 2027
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
4.5
The campus of the University of Minnesota focuses a lot on the safety parameters.
Tips: I am absolutely in love with the UoMinn. I am an international student as well, so I can understand how they feel moving to a totally new country. The campus of the University of Minnesota focuses a lot on the safety parameters. Apart from campus security, there are many facilities where one can avail a free cab service if they are travelling anywhere in MN at night. Also, if one feels lonely, they can get themselves a walking companion, who will assist them in reaching their destination. It's a lifetime experience and I am completely satisfied by what my university and course provides.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): I don't personally wish to immigrate to the US after completing my master's degree, but I know plenty of other students who have had their degrees in CS and Elec engineering and stayed back in the US. They are doing pretty well there, so I think there are plenty of opportunities if that's something you want to do.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
BS in Agricultural Education - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
4.2
Surprising academic challenges and unexpected personal growth.
Tips: Life in the United States is better if you have your own transportation, like a car or a bike. Many things are different here than in India, starting with driving on the left. But the biggest difference is that the only language spoken here is English. The education system here is uncorrupted, and only intelligence, brilliance, and consistency survive here. The faculty are highly talented and experts in their field and you can connect with them by mail. Try to connect with alumni and ask them about the courses and university to get a wide understanding. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
4.4
Cold place but warm and gentle people.
Tips: There are a few things that I had to get used to but it is nothing that I couldn't do. I got used to the people, culture, weather, and so on in no time. I did not apply for any scholarships. I am very much satisfied with the university and its people, they are nice, warm, and welcoming.
Likes (Indian Food): I prefer cooking for myself and there is nothing I couldn't find, there are Indian stores about 15 mins via a bus from campus. There are also several Indian restaurants a few kilometres away as well. There are a lot of different restaurants all over and around the campus as well.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration in the US has a long queue if you are an Indian. It is totally possible to extend your visa indefinitely once you apply for a green card, but it is by no means a citizenship until you get your green card. I would love to have a permanent residence here, it is a fun place.
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Business Analytics - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
4.7
It was amazing when it came to college.
Tips: You need to be okay with guns being used around. It's not too bad because I think that's just an American thing. Also, the Hospitality Center is great, they have so many events coming up and it's fun to meet new people and go have new experiences like snowboarding etc.
Likes (Value for money): It's great value for money as I got more in return than what I paid for in my course. The course covered all the great aspects of data Science and machine learning though it was very hectic but definitely worth it.
Dislikes (Safety): Minneapolis isn't safe. Guns are used around the city and a lot of tension is related to black people and cops. Things do get stolen and you have to worry about not getting shot. This is the experience of some people who come here I personally never experienced it. I had fun here and I went out on walks at night alone but only around campus.
Reviewed on 23 Aug 2023Read more
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U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Student Ratings & Reviews
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Courses offered
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U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MS
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities B.E. / B.Tech
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities B.Sc.
U of I V/s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities M.A.
Other courses
- MEng (11 courses)
- M.Arch (11 courses)
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- M.Arch (4 courses)
- BBA (19 courses)
- Others PG (11 courses)
- B.A. (42 courses)
- MFA (4 courses)
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Aishwarya Bhatnagar · Jun 29, 2025

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