University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Alabama at Birmingham: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Alabama at Birmingham based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Alabama at Birmingham on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Alabama at Birmingham based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Alabama at Birmingham 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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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at BirminghamStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
4.2 Internships
4.7 Part time work
4.3 Post study jobs
5 Quality of faculty
4.8 Student Life
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3.4/5
3.7 Internships
3.3 Part time work
3.5 Post study jobs
4 Quality of faculty
4.2 Student Life
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at BirminghamCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at Birmingham MS
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at Birmingham MBA/PGDM
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at Birmingham B.E. / B.Tech
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at Birmingham B.Sc.
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at Birmingham BBA
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Other courses
- MEng (11 courses)
- M.A. (38 courses)
- BHM (1 course)
- M.Arch (11 courses)
- B.A. (36 courses)
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- M.A. (15 courses)
- B.A. (15 courses)
- MPH (3 courses)
- BFA (1 course)
- B.Ed (4 courses)
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at BirminghamCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1867
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
6370 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
1969
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
206 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Alabama at BirminghamCampus Comparison
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000

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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD

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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 62650
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6516
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6700
Prepping time for classes39 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 113750
Views on University of Alabama at Birmingham campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
2.7
Life at UAB and their academic rules.
Tips: The University has a very strict Academic Integrity Code which means they have very strict plagiarism checks. The assignments are lengthy and they need to put in a genuine effort to get away with plagiarism. They have a 3 strike system. Even a 30-40% plagiarism you get a strike. The professors are getting very strict.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): There are a lot of options for students to find an accommodation. The university has an official WhatsApp group where students post about available accommodation and they can find them really quick. They are reliable sources and offer accommodation with a wide budget range.
Dislikes (Safety): Birmingham, Alabama is not very safe for international students. There are instances of shooting in the campus surroundings. There are a lot of people who might trouble you. Life around campus is better because the UAB Police is everywhere and they take good care.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes14 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
3.9
It is a challenging yet worthwhile experience.
Tips: Students should talk and engage with the professors as well as the alumni. Stay updated with the university and course credit requirements, and participate in community or club events as this will help ensure that your experience is smooth and fulfilling.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 7025
Prepping time for classes28 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Amitkumar Sahani 
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
4.2
Empowering education with opportunities.
Tips: Before joining UAB students should research the academic programs available and choose one that aligns with their interests and goals. The campus environment is vibrant and diverse, with ample opportunities to involve in student organizations and activities. After coming to UAB, the transition is generally smooth, with the university providing support services and resources to help students adjust. UAB offers scholarships based on various criteria, including academic merit and financial needs. Overall, I am highly satisfied with the university as the faculty members are very supportive and ready to guide me towards extensive academic resources to excel and clear my doubts.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1223
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80585

Mallikanti Mahesh 
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
3
This university is good, as a mechanical student.
Tips: Studies and student life is very good at this university, but from time to time submission for assignments is necessary and we have a strict academic integrity code.
The education is good and worth for money, we can enjoy our life here and at the same time, we have our own things to do in our studies.
Likes (Student Life): Here for students we have all the necessary facilities. As an international student, I have the freedom to utilize everything.
Part times are not that much good because we have a lot of international students here so we cannot get jobs easily.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): I am not planning to settle here. I will finish my master's and will do a job in India. I have a plan of finishing my master's and with my master's degree I need to earn a job in the top mechanical firm and need to lead my life with my parents in my own country. That's what I need in my future.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 606
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
P
Praneeth Dala 
Master of Science in Data Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
3.5
Do not expect any fee waiver and very less scholarships
Tips: We cannot expect any scholarships or fee waivers even if we get admitted to on campus jobs. The students have to pay the full fee on their own. Whereas in other colleges they will reduce a certain amount of fee if they are serving the college in any way.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 777
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sainadh Pasupuleti 
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Alabama at Birmingham
3.2
Academically oriented university.
Tips: I did not feel any major cultural shift during my time here. As there are a lot of Indians around in the city and in college as well. There was no special support provided to foreign students but there are some Hindu communities though which help. The Indian communities here organize many events and activities.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 745
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
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