Public research university in Springfield offering personalized education with 49 bachelor's and 51 master's degrees.
UIS offers 49 bachelor's degrees, 51 master's degrees, one doctoral degree, 47 graduate certificates, and coursework leading to six ISBE endorsements. The university is organized into four colleges: Business and Management; Health, Science, and Technology; Liberal Arts & Social Sciences; and Public Affairs & Education. Online learning has been central since 1999, with 43 online degrees and programs currently available. In 2005, UIS became a full four-year university, admitting freshmen for the first time under its general education curriculum.
The 740-acre campus features three distinct architectural areas: Legacy Campus (student services), SSU Permanent Construction (including Brookens Library and Public Affairs Center), and University of Illinois era buildings. Housing accommodates over 1,100 students across four residence halls and multiple apartment courts. The Sangamon Auditorium, a 2,018-seat performing arts center, anchors the Public Affairs Center. UIS supports over 85 student organizations, 10 Greek life chapters, and extensive recreation facilities including the TRAC fitness center. The campus maintains a pedestrian-friendly design with a ring road (University Drive) separating vehicular traffic from the core.
UIS competes in NCAA Division II, primarily in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) since 2010. The Prairie Stars field 18 intercollegiate varsity sports: men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and indoor/outdoor track & field; women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor/outdoor track & field, and volleyball. Campus Recreation offers fitness classes, intramural sports, sport clubs, and outdoor adventures through the TRAC facility.
First-year applicants must submit a 250–650 word personal statement addressing professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and academic program choice. Official transcripts and application fees are required. Graduate and transfer applicants follow program-specific requirements. UIS reports 95.9% graduate success with students employed after graduation. The university awarded $3.6 million in grants and scholarships and maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).