Studying at Illinois

Studying urban planning at the University of Illinois gives you access to all the benefits of a large, global, major research university—but with the personal feel of a small department. We offer many activities, several degree programs, and a positive community that will support you both in and out of the classroom.

A World-Class University

three smiling students standing together in front of university buiding

For 2019-2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the 14th public university and the 48th national university in America’s Best Colleges. Illinois boasts 15 colleges and instructional units, over 350 buildings (in the University District alone), and more than 47,000 students. Illinois has the largest public university library in the U.S. And that’s just the beginning.

Cultural Things to Do

student ice skating on one foot with arms outstretched

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts presents shows, commencements, lectures, and other events. Japan House and Arboretum offers formal and informal tearooms, stroll gardens, and cultural classrooms. See more than 9,000 works of art at Krannert Art Museum. Enjoy more than 46,000 artifacts of global cultures at the Spurlock Museum. Our campus’ Cultural Centers include: Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center; Asian American Cultural Center; La Casa Cultural Latina; and Native American House.

Activities Anyone?

smiling students at event holding orange and blue signs

The State Farm Center seats 15,500 people. It consistently ranks among the top 15 in the nation for university arenas. See concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events, including Illinois basketball. Check out the Illini Union—the Illini Union Board is the largest programming student organization on campus. The Activities and Recreation Center is one of the nation’s largest, offering 340,000 square feet of activities. Hundreds of machines and weights, a 35-foot climbing wall, an indoor track, and 2 swimming pools are all waiting for you.

Comprehensive Education

four students jumping in the fall leaves

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers 3 graduate programs, a bachelor’s degree, and an urban planning minor. We’re one of the few universities in the country to offer this comprehensive range of planning programs. Explore our curriculums, courses, and application requirements. We hope you’ll plan a visit.

Building Relationships

four students on location

The size of our department facilitates bonds among classmates and faculty, so getting to know people is easy. Our instructors are approachable both in and out of the classroom. Courses are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. Our programs attract students, faculty, and staff who are all passionate about what they do.

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