University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago Overview

The University of Illinois Chicago is a prominent public research university located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Situated in the Near West Side community area, close to the Chicago Loop, UIC is the largest university in the Chicago metropolitan area, boasting over 33,000 students across 16 colleges. As an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," UIC upholds its reputation for robust scholarly endeavors.

The roots of the University of Illinois Chicago can be traced back to the late 19th century when several private health colleges were founded, including the Chicago College of Pharmacy (1859), College of Physicians and Surgeons (1882), and Columbian College of Dentistry (1893). The university itself was chartered in 1867 as a land-grant institution in Champaign-Urbana, with the promise of establishing a "polytechnical" branch in Chicago.

These health colleges affiliated with the university in 1896–97, eventually integrating into the University of Illinois in 1913 as the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. The scope of medical education and research expanded over time, leading to the formation of various health science colleges that were amalgamated as the Chicago Professional Colleges. The journey towards a dedicated undergraduate Chicago campus began in 1935 when Richard J. Daley, a newly elected state representative, advocated for its establishment.

UIC offers an extensive range of academic programs, including 86 bachelor's degrees, 111 master's degrees, and 66 doctoral degrees across its 16 colleges. The university hosts a variety of inter-college programs, such as the Cancer Center, Center for Structural Biology, Neuroscience program, and more. Governance of UIC rests with the chancellor, who collaborates with vice chancellors, college deans, and other administrators.

In recent rankings, UIC holds its ground as the 97th best national university and the 52nd best national public university, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report. Notably, the university was ranked 26th in the nation by the 2018 Washington Monthly ranking of national universities. The university's global standing was highlighted by its placement within the 150–200 bracket by the 2014–15 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Additionally, UIC garnered recognition from Forbes, ranking 361st among 650 universities in "America's Top Colleges 2014."