University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Maryland: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Maryland based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Maryland on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Maryland based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vs University of Maryland 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 MarylandStudent Ratings
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of MarylandCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Maryland MS
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Maryland B.E. / B.Tech
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Maryland MEng
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of Maryland 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 (9 courses)
- M.Arch (6 courses)
- M.A. (42 courses)
- MPH (9 courses)
- B.A. (38 courses)
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of MarylandCollege Comparison
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of MarylandCampus 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 University of Maryland campus
A
Ashwath Sriram Baskaran 
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2027
Offered by University of Maryland
4
There are many scholarships available at UMD.
Tips: Students must be prepared to adapt to culture shock, but they should be able to handle the experience and achieve their goals. There are also many scholarships available at UMD; students should apply for them as much as they can. UMD is a really good college, and it's one of the cheapest. If the cost of tuition is an important factor to you, then I would definitely recommend UMD. The cost for two years is about 45 Lakhs in Indian rupees. Safety and security are okay, but not as good as we might like. An incident of theft occurred in College Park last week, making the safety of students questionable, which then, in turn, puts people in fear because of racial differences. Putting the above incident aside, this is a very good college compared to other colleges.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
M.Eng in Robotics - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Maryland
4.1
Value for Money: Top ranked public university
Tips: There are a lot of international student programs at the start addressing cultural shifts, mental wellbeing, etc. that can be helpful. Apply for research assistant positions to work in Maryland Robotics Center or The PRG group. Apply for a teaching assistantship, this will give you tuition remission benefits, in addition to the salary.
Likes (Public transportation): The public transport here is well-maintained and clean. It connects the DMV area through the metro and buses are available for integrity transport. The university also provides free transportation buses. Along with on-demand ride-share services for late-night transport.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): I am not looking forward to a permanent settlement, so I haven't explored this option. I would not like to permanently immigrate to the country. This is not because of any other reasons. This is just my personal preference. I have no idea why it is important to immigrate.
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024Read more
A
Abhishek Josyula 
M.Eng. in Cybersecurity - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Maryland
4.1
Good college on a great location and in a great country
Tips: Initially, it was a bit difficult for me because I was a bit homesick but my friends helped me to get over that phase and introduce me to lots of on-campus organizations that used to organize events every other week which kept the students engaged. There was a bit of a cultural shift I experienced, but that was mostly because I was homesick. I did not get any scholarships. I am quite satisfied with the course and university, but a bit dissatisfied with the country because they are very strict on immigration.
Likes (Safety): The safety on campus is very good, there are many cops' vehicles on campus that keep patrolling the campus all the time to make sure that everyone is safe. I have had many good experiences in the city. Once I saw a person struggling to bike on the road, someone saw them struggling and called 911 and the cops showed up within 5 minutes and helped the old man.
Dislikes (Part time work): There are many on-campus part-time jobs available because the campus is really very big which makes it easier for students to find on campus jobs. I myself have worked on multiple on-campus jobs. As per the US law, an international student on F1 visa cannot work on off-campus jobs. The part time jobs are usually after the classes so it's easier to manage them. The average payout is $13.25 per hour.
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2023Read more
B
Bhuvesh Gupta 
M.Eng in Software Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Maryland
4.5
Excellent college with excellent faculty and excellent campus
Tips: It was not a big transition for me personally because I see a lot of Indian students around me. Plus the Indian food around here is really very good. Additionally, there are many on-campus events throughout the year that keep you engaged. I did not avail any scholarships. I am very much satisfied with the university, course, and country because it is exactly how I thought it would be.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The quality of the faculty is really very good, they are always available to clear your doubts and concerns even after the class is over or even on the weekends. One thing that I find unique about my professor is that they create a story and then teaches us a topic, does not just read from a PPT but creates a story for everything that they teach to make it interesting. There are faculty members from across the world and not just from America.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): If I had to permanently settle, the chances are very less because of the Green Card backlog for Indians. Also, right now, the market is really bad for people who are looking for a permanent settlement option but you can always work on a working visa and continue to stay in the US. If given a chance, I would definitely immigrate to this country regardless of the chances being slim.
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2023Read more
S
Syed Mohammad Ibrahim 
M.Eng. in Cybersecurity - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Maryland
4
One of the best universities in the US
Tips: There weren't many cultural shifts because the university is surrounded by lots of students and the majority of them being Indian students. On top of it, there are a lot of on campus events that keep you engaged so that you don't miss home. I did not avail of any scholarship. I am 100% satisfied with the university because it is one of the top universities in the US, and the course I studied is really in demand right now, plus, the country is really ahead of all the other countries.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): The chances of permanent settlement are very slim because the green card takes up to 10 years to be approved which is really long time. There are other methods to stay in the US like staying on a work permit. If given the chance, I would like to permanently settle in this country as this country is a developed country and the wage is really good.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The campus is really very big and is connected by lots of public modes of transport. Shuttle buses are the most commonly used transport by students because they drop you right inside the campus and you can travel the whole campus in a bus. Public transport is free for students so the students don't have to pay anything if they are coming or going from the college.
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2023Read more
D
Darsh Savani 
M.S in Computer Science - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Maryland
4
Best university for Computer science.
Tips: Before joining students should know about the academic programs the university offers, and campus culture. They should know about location, cost of living, financial aid the university provides, research opportunities, university accreditation, housing options and lastly about extracurricular activities. And talking of my journey, I haven't experienced any culture shift since coming to the university. I am fully satisfied with the University and the course I chose.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Accessibility of faculty depends on the individual faculty sometimes faculty members are easily approachable and sometimes we need to connect to them via email or online meeting. Teaching methodology of faculty members are very unique as every faculty members are expert and knowledgeable in their field so they sometimes give students group or individual projects to work on, research opportunities are provided, and mentorship and access to different resources are given. Faculty members from different nationalities are there on the campus.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Campus is well connected to rest of the city. Mode of public transport available are shuttle-UM which operates within the campus and provide transportation between different parts of the campus; other mode are metro, bus, bike share. This University has partnered with bike service provider where students can rent bike for transport. But some drawbacks of public transport are the limited schedule of buses and trains, sometimes delays and crowding, and sometimes due to weather conditions some modes don't operate. Public transport is overall affordable and convenient to use.
Reviewed on 19 Jul 2023Read more
A
Anonymous
M.Eng in Robotics - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Maryland
4.1
Hard course with no money, too many assignments
Tips: The course is time-consuming.
The job market in the US is good except for the recession, for stem, there is a lot of money.
Except for IVY colleges, you gotta network on LinkedIn a lot, like A LOT.
The coursework depends more on projects and homework and less on exams.
Likes (Public transportation): College has its own commute + state commute is good. Also, there is a night transportation service by UMD.
US is known for shitty transport. Maryland especially College Park, has decent transport. in half an hour you can reach DC. Which has a lot of free stuff to do, a lot of museums. DC transport is good. Pro tip (If you don't pay them on the bus you don't need to )
Dislikes (Safety): There is a lot of robberies around the campus, some involve gun violence not that often though.
My friend's laptop got stolen, and they ran saving their life from some random guy who showed up near the signal and pointed a gun at them. Students are good, but second amendment is not. Drugs are not legal in MD but have seen people taking them on public transport. At first I used to be irritated by them, but then I got used to it.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024Read more
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign V/s University of MarylandRank Comparison
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