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

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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at ChicagoStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
3.4/5
2.7 Internships
3.9 Part time work
3.1 Post study jobs
4.1 Quality of faculty
3.4 Student Life
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4/5
3.3 Internships
4.7 Part time work
4 Post study jobs
4 Quality of faculty
4 Student Life
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at ChicagoCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at Chicago MS
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at Chicago MBA/PGDM
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at Chicago BBA
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at Chicago M.A.
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at Chicago B.Sc.
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Other courses
- M.Phil (5 courses)
- PG Certificate (26 courses)
- B.E. / B.Tech (15 courses)
- M.Arch (3 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (2 courses)
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- PG Certificate (1 course)
- B.E. / B.Tech (16 courses)
- M.Arch (4 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (1 course)
- MSN (2 courses)
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University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at ChicagoCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1740
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
299 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+5 More
Established Year
1982
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
250 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
University of Pennsylvania V/s The University of Illinois at ChicagoCampus 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 Pennsylvania campus
A
Anonymous
BA in Architecture - Batch of 2027
3.3
The campus is quite happening and safe as well.
Tips: So as a freshman, you will not have the option but to reside in campus housing in the first year of college. Following this, you are allowed to switch after, but till then, you will most likely be given a randomly assigned roommate as well. The campus is quite happening and safe as well. The Springs Flying is something to look forward to, and there are a lot of social gatherings in the form of mixers, games and events. The classes include active participation, which may help save your grades as well.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025Read more
R
Rohan Nagesh 
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2025
2.7
The university has a good campus and loads of resources to live a wholesome student life.
Tips: The university is expensive and the city is not really that safe. The workload is high with a lot of assignments. The university offers a diverse range of courses but lacks concentration on one. Prospects of engineering jobs are low with not many university recruiters approaching students for post-study options.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2024Read more
P
Priyanshu Mittal 
MSE Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics - Batch of 2024
3.7
Give a second thought before applying.
Tips: The university life here is very much different from that in India. At least in engineering, students spend most of their time completing assignments and completing lectures. UPenn doesn't offer scholarships to Master's students but you can apply for part-time job as soon as you are on campus which will help you meet your living costs. Though the city is great, I would advise anybody who is coming to definitely give it a second thought as the job market right now is not good and doesn't look like will be better soon.
Likes (Public transportation): Philadelphia has buses, inter and intra-city trains, subways as well as trams. Also, it is easy to get cabs. Philadelphia as a city is small, hence, it is easy to go from one place to another through public transport. Furthermore, the university is located in the heart so one can go to most places by walking or cycling.
Dislikes (Value for money): Being an IVY League, the fee for the program is a lot. But compared to other universities UPenn doesn't have affiliation with the working industry. So the students don't get any benefit while looking for jobs in the market. At least in the US going to cheaper universities would be a better choice
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3
Challenging and Stressful but equally rewarding experience at this college.
Tips: There are no scholarships available and there is no significant cultural shift. Transitioning with respect to weather may take time. Overall, university courses are good but challenging, and finding jobs and internship can be difficult. While on-campus jobs are available and helpful, they do not offer any tuition fee waivers.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at this college are highly approachable and knowledgeable. They employ an intuitive teaching method and assign practical tasks. The teaching faculty is mostly of Asian and American background representing all types of specializations in Electrical engineering. The courses are rather challenging and not easy.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2024Read more
R
Rajnish Gupta 
Scientific Computing, MSE - Batch of 0
3.5
Best learning experience.
Tips: The University might not exactly be what you expected. It is a great learning experience, and there are a lot of things to do, that it can become overwhelming and stressful at times. But if I were to choose to do it again, at some other time, with a better job market, I would. Try not to get distracted by a lot of things you see around you, as that can happen initially.
Likes (Public transportation): Philly has great and affordable public transport, you can reach pretty much anywhere in 30-40 mins, and most places of interest, downtown can be accessed in 10-15mins through the subway from University, and the transport runs at longer hours, although not the safest way to travel during certain hours the day if you're alone, but that comes in safety as per the city. The connectivity and timing itself are great.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are no Indian food options in University dining, and in general Indian food options around Philly are although not limited, but are not excellent, or anywhere close to what you can find in cities like NYC, Jersey or Chicago. There is a lot of frozen food at Indian Stores, but that is not the most healthy option out there.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
MSE Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.6
Biotech research powerhouse. Amazing opportunities.
Tips: For the CBE department, most research is in the biotech sector and so are the jobs and internships. Professors are very nice and will help you if you ask for it.
The courses are tough but are of very high quality. However, the CBE courses are very theoretical.
Dislikes (Safety): Philadelphia is not a very safe city. There are lots of break-ins and thefts. Cycles parked outside will get stolen even if locked. The Penn campus is very safe with good security. Penn also has shuttles that run at night and walking escorts for student safety.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Robotics, MSE - Batch of 2024
4.3
Lots of work and hard courses but great program. Effort is respected
Tips: The classes consist of diverse ethnicities and you hence experience an initial cultural shock. Scholarships are not available for MS students. RA opportunities are also very selective for MS students. TA opportunities are much easier to come by. Quite happy with my choice of university.
Likes (Student Life): Regular socializing events are conducted on campus. Study environment is not too stressful. Happy hours are organized once a month by every department and apart from that all the festivities also have an associated event. Regional festivities are dealt with by the Pan-Asian community and it depends on their yearly budget.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Hard to find a job that sponsors H1B. The green card process is another big headache. H1B is got through a lottery system and is then renewed every 3 years until you are eligible to apply for a green card. And you need to hold the green card for a certain number of years before you are eligible for citizenship.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2024Read more
Views on The University of Illinois at Chicago campus
A
Anonymous
MS in Business Analytics/MS in Management Information Systems - Batch of 2025
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
3.1
The college is good but the quality has deteriorated over time.
Tips: The University of Illinois at Chicago is good. The faculty works hard to give students the best education possible, even though fee waivers have been removed and the dean of CBA has changed, which has affected funding a lot. On-campus positions are good, and every student gets one in the end. The campus atmosphere is excellent. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Likes (Public transportation): The public transportation system here is excellent. There is no place you can't reach with the public transport. With both metro and buses, things only get easier. The only downside is that safety is a concern. There are too many homeless people and gun violence is very high, so you have to be on your toes at all times.
Dislikes (Internships): The market is bad right now, and students are having a hard time getting internships. Even experienced students are finding it difficult to land one. The college doesn't provide much support to help students get internships, but the market has improved recently and is looking positive at the moment.
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2024Read more
S
Shobhit Srivastava 
BS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2021
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
4.4
It’s a fun filled and academically driven college.
Tips: The students should know that there are a lot of facilities available on campus for students to access. Ranging from academic to non-academic and extracurricular, so to be involved in any of them the students should know that they can reach out to the faculty as well.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2023Read more
R
Rohan Rajesh Wangikar 
MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
4.4
Moving here has been smooth
Tips: The transition from India to moving here has been good.
I experienced no cultural shift as there are many Indians here as well.
The staff provides no special facilities as such for Indian students but there are orientations. One should know where to stay and what areas to avoid in Chicago.
What courses to go for is an important decision.
Also, an internship requires extra fees. College students should know about the UIC global situation.
No prior courses are required to settle into this course.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2023Read more
A
Anonymous
BS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
4.3
A diverse, supportive, and career-focused university experience.
Tips: The initial transition can be challenging due to the cultural and academic differences, but the support systems in place are really helpful. I didn’t receive a scholarship, but there were many part-time job opportunities to support my expenses. The coursework is intensive, but very rewarding. I'm very satisfied with the quality of teaching, the diversity on campus, and the career opportunities after graduation.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is vibrant and inclusive. I attend lectures, join group studies, and actively participate in clubs like the Entrepreneurship Club and International Students’ Association. Regular cultural events and career fairs make campus life engaging, with great support for academics and well-being.
Dislikes (Indian Food): While there are a few Indian restaurants around, they are often on the expensive side for a student budget. Most serve North Indian cuisine with limited South Indian options. On average, a meal outside can cost anywhere between USD 12 to 20. Because of limited variety and high pricing, I mostly prefer cooking at home. Grocery stores do carry basic Indian spices and ingredients, so it’s manageable if you’re comfortable cooking.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Disability and Human Development - Batch of 2023
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
4.4
Great support from faculty and management.
Tips: I have received a scholarship. I had a lot of opportunities like sports activities an industry-relevant curriculum, and strong career placement support, which ultimately translated to a significant return on investment for students entering the competitive job market. All faculty were very supportive and helpful. The tuition fee for my course is largely justified considering the high quality of education provided, including access to specialized faculty, advanced technology, industry-relevant curriculum, and strong career placement support. I can now see the benefits and have no regrets about my decision to study here. Overall, I am satisfied with my experiences.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2025Read more
G
Gargi 
MS in Construction Engineering and Management - Batch of 2024
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
2.6
University is amazing, but don’t be a Global Student.
Tips: Never apply through Shiksa or any other agency and become a Global Student. I joined UIC via SHIKSHA and I am a research assist currently with 100% tuition waiver, but that was taken away from me only because I am a global student, who did not pay application fees.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2023Read more
H
Himanshu 
Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies - Batch of 2023
Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago
4.4
Best campus I have ever seen in my life.
Tips: Students should have good ettiquetes and better english speaking and understanding. Students should have better skills to enjoy in good way.
Students should have quality to attract fellow students to make good friends and explore things in the campus.
Likes (Internships): We get so many internships before the final exams. We get internships on the basis of practicals and skills that we have. We get paid internships also to manage expenses of daily routine. We also get apprrciation certificate from the companies to make better CV.
Dislikes (Student Life): Students face more stress and do not enjoy much. Students face stress of exams, internals, practicals, and more over curricular activities. They are bounded by these things ispite of enjoying college life and exploring new things, people and places.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2022Read more
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