$29,000
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“Big Ten academics at Big Ten value. Strong in finance and tech management with a Chicago-adjacent location.”
Program Overview
Illinois Gies draws on one of the strongest finance and accounting faculties in the country. The University of Illinois has a long tradition of academic excellence in quantitative business fields, and the MBA program channels that into practical career preparation. Champaign-Urbana is 2.5 hours south of Chicago, which provides access to the city's employer base without the living costs.
The 100-person class benefits from in-state tuition around $29,000 and the university's deep corporate relationships with Chicago-area companies. Tech management has grown as a concentration, reflecting UIUC's legendary computer science department (where the Mosaic browser was created).
Culture & Community
Gies' 100-person class is collaborative and academically focused. Champaign-Urbana is a quintessential college town: affordable, friendly, and centered around the university. The Illini alumni network is strong in Chicago and across the Midwest.
Academics & Curriculum
Gies' finance and accounting curriculum is the academic standout, taught by research-active faculty with industry experience. Technology management courses draw on UIUC's computer science heritage. The school also pioneered one of the first online MBA programs (iMBA), which has expanded the school's reach and brand nationally.
Career Outcomes
Gies' employment report shows 25% of graduates entering finance, 25% consulting, 20% tech, and 15% accounting. Chicago-area companies are the primary recruiters, with Deloitte, EY, and KPMG hiring for both consulting and accounting roles. Median base salary is $132,000 with total first-year compensation around $155,000.
Who Should Apply
Finance and accounting professionals targeting Chicago-area careers will find Gies' curriculum and corporate relationships well-suited. International students seeking STEM-adjacent MBA training and tech management candidates benefit from UIUC's broader academic ecosystem. The price point makes the ROI compelling for Midwest career goals.
What to Watch Out For
Champaign is not a career hub, and Chicago is a significant drive away. The Gies brand is still building recognition nationally, partly due to the online MBA program creating some market confusion between the full-time and online degrees. If you're targeting markets outside the Midwest, higher-ranked programs will provide better brand leverage.
Known For
Best For
Aiming for a 680+ GMAT? Start your prep today.
Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Illinois Gies?
Illinois Gies' acceptance rate is approximately 38% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 100 full-time MBA students.
What is Illinois Gies known for?
Gies is best known for its strong finance and accounting faculty, technology management program (drawing on UIUC's legendary computer science department), and value pricing at public school tuition.
What is the average salary after Illinois Gies?
Gies graduates earn a median base salary of $132,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $155,000. Finance, consulting, and tech drive the strongest placement.