Ilinois is a top 10 public University and sports aside a diploma from the U of I can really open doors. It has a huge number of alumni around the country and especially in the state, which really does play to your advantage when you are finding a job.

Also Illinois is, in my experience, the only school that actually has a real year round University experience, every other school is deserted on the weekends as the students head back to Chicago or Peoria.

Academically, U of I is unmatched in the state (well, except for Northwestern, but they’re expensive).

I have absolutely loved my time here at U of I. I just graduated this past December, and I wish I could stay longer. The Chambana area is a true college town. Pretty much everything here revolves around the University, and that’s nice to have as a student. Great night life/restaurants within blocks of campus.

You will not get a better education for cheaper (assuming you are in-state)

I didn’t go there, but my brother did. Despite never graduating (fell a few credits short), he seemed to not mind his experience at the U of I. And got as educated as he possibly could have gotten there.