CHAMPAIGN-URBANA (Chambana Today) – The University of Illinois received the largest number of first-year applications in its history for fall 2025, surpassing the previous record of 73,742 applicants set last year. While the exact number of applicants will not be released until fall 2025, the University has confirmed the record-breaking figure. The regular decision deadline for first-year applications closed on January 5, though transfer students can still apply until April 5.
Dan Mann, the University’s associate provost for enrollment management, confirmed via email that there has been an increase in applications across all categories, including Illinois residents, U.S. non-residents, and international students.
Although detailed percentage data on the applicants is still unknown, the growth in applications reflects a continued trend that began in 2020. The most significant increase came between 2021 and 2022, when first-year applications rose by 33%, following the University’s transition to the Common App. Since then, application numbers have consistently risen, with an increase of 6.5% from 2022 to 2023 and 9.4% from 2023 to 2024.
With more applications coming in, the number of students admitted to the University has also risen. A record 31,247 students were admitted in fall 2024, and the University expects a similar trend for fall 2025. However, the rising application numbers have led to a decrease in the University’s acceptance rate. It fell from 63.3% in 2020 to 42.4% in 2024, and it is expected to decline further in 2025.
One concern that the University is closely monitoring is the impact of the housing shortage crisis faced last fall on admissions decisions. Mann said that discussions between Undergraduate Admissions and University Housing staff are already underway to address these challenges.