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

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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San DiegoStudent Ratings
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San DiegoCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San Diego MS
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San Diego B.E. / B.Tech
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San Diego MEng
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San Diego B.Sc.
Other courses
- BBA (22 courses)
- M.Arch (11 courses)
- M.A. (38 courses)
- MPH (3 courses)
- B.A. (36 courses)
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- BBA (8 courses)
- M.Arch (1 course)
- M.A. (7 courses)
- MPH (1 course)
- B.A. (65 courses)
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San DiegoCollege Comparison
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San DiegoCampus Comparison
Student’s views on campus
Views on University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 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
A
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 UC San Diego campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of California - San Diego Campus
4.9
University of California San Diego is the best place to be.
Tips: San Diego is the best place to live in US. And in particular, TAship and RAship at UCSD come with a tuition fee waiver. There is moderate expenditure. The department is focused on research. Great research facilities and great alumina. On-campus housing is a plus and free passes to roam around San Diego.
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2024Read more
D
Deepak Sridhar 
MS in Signal and Image Processing - Batch of 2027
Offered by University of California - San Diego Campus
4.2
Good courses, faculty, research and career options make UCSD a top choice
Tips: Students should look at the cost of living and financial aid options before joining the campus as it is generally expensive to live around San Diego area. Students should clearly be prepared in choosing their track either industry or academic research and start preparing for it from day one. The courses require prior requisites and so students have to carefully look at the track they choose relevant to their interests and put in efforts to achieve their goals. Teaching assistantships are very competitive but might be available during the second year of your program. You'll have to do well on the courses and maintain good contact with the professor if you are looking to get one. Some students get TAs outside their department which is an option to consider. Courses are rigorous and the quarter system is fast-paced. So one has to adapt to this structure.
Likes (Safety): The college administration considers safety to be of utmost importance with annual safety reviews happening every year. Any safety is immediately published to make you aware of the incidents. The campus has security officers to report to even at night times. The area around campus is filled with student population, so there is no concern for safety.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Due to the H1B immigration system, permanent immigration system is convoluted although it might take longer than expected. There are no specifics to the university, this is general for all US universities. Given a chance I would immigrate to this country especially considering the state-the-art work done at many companies
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s UC San DiegoRank Comparison
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