First-Year Student Admissions
Start your application to Chicago's top-ranked undergraduate business programs.
First-Year Student Admissions
Build the skills, connections and a professional presence that carry you from day one to your first career in business. In addition to a respected curriculum, a degree from UIC Business starts with something most programs don’t offer: a built-in community. At UIC Business, you’ll join a cohort for your business degree, moving through the program in a model that builds connections with peers and fosters professional and personal growth. Along the way, you can get involved in clubs, organizations, interactive improv and more to develop the soft skills and professional presence you need for a successful business career.
UIC Business First Year Student Information
First-Year Student Application Deadlines
Early Action Application Deadline
Regular Decision Application Deadline
First-Year Intent to Enroll (ITE) Deadline
Contact First-Year Student Admissions
Contact us with questions about our undergraduate business programs or to schedule an appointment.
- E-mail: bizadmit@uic.edu
- Live Chat: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. CST.
- (312)996-4573 / (877)622-8421 (toll-free)
UIC Business: A Leader in Undergraduate Business Degrees
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# 1 Undergraduate Business Program in Chicago — U.S. News & World Report
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Top 50 Best Public University in the U.S. — U.S. News & World Report
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24 k Students, our largest-ever first year class, nearly half are first-gen students
First-Year Student Admission Requirements and Process
Ready to apply for your business degree? UIC Business takes a holistic approach to evaluating your application, reviewing several criteria for each individual applicant. View admissions requirements below and contact us with any questions.
First-Year Applicants
What is a first-year student? A first-year applicant is a current high school student (including those with college credit) or a high school graduate who has not attended a college or university.
A competitive application typically includes:
- > 3.0 GPA
- Strong math background and 4 years of high school math
- Consistent grade trend and challenging course levels
- A well-written personal statement addressing areas of strength and/or concern
- Extracurricular activities
- Demonstrated interest in business
- Letters of Recommendation
- ACT or SAT score optional
- See our campus Test-Optional FAQ page for details
Other Admission Information
What is a first-year student? A first-year applicant is a current high school student (including those with college credit) or a high school graduate who has not yet attended a college or university.
Transfer Credit
To review the transferability of your coursework and/or course equivalencies between partner schools and UIC, visit Transferology. For more information on the transfer application process, visit UIC Admissions.
International Requirements
Applicants with international coursework will be required to submit an English-language syllabus for each course. International applicants with three or more years of undergraduate coursework should expect to complete a minimum of three semesters in order to graduate with a UIC Business bachelor’s degree.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
UIC Business is unable to consider second bachelor’s degree applicants. We encourage students to consider a master’s degree program in lieu of pursuing a second bachelor’s degree.
Please contact gradbusiness@uic.edu for information about our graduate programs.
Why choose UIC Business for your undergraduate business degree? An unparalleled first-year student experience.
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Business Scholars
Take your business degree further. Our highly selective four-year leadership and development program provides you with leadership skills, business expertise and mentorship opportunities to prepare you to thrive in the global marketplace. Learn more about Business Scholars.
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Student Life
Get involved, polish your professional presence and take advantage of everything UIC Business has to offer — including 31 business-related organizations, a vibrant campus in downtown Chicago and local business connections. Explore Student Life.
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Breadth of Undergraduate Degrees
With nine distinct BS degree options, UIC Business has more undergraduate specializations than many peer schools. Whether you know what you’re interested in or are still figuring out your direction, there’s an opportunity for you at UIC Business.
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Chicago as Your Classroom
UIC Business is located in one of the top business cities in the world, providing access to Fortune 500 companies, finance firms, startups and countless other opportunities for our students. Whether you want to see business leaders on the job or catch a Cubs game, you’ll enjoy studying in a vibrant, bustling city.
Contact Info and Resources
Undergraduate Student Testimonials
What stands out most about earning my undergraduate business degree at UIC is the powerful sense of community and the direct access to staff and faculty who are truly invested in my success. From collaborating with classmates to receiving guidance from the Dean, the relationships I’ve formed have been the cornerstone of my growth as a student and professional.
| BS Accounting, 2028
Earning my undergraduate business degree from UIC has given me the opportunity to combine classroom knowledge with real-world experience, from supporting over 200 first-year students as a peer mentor to leading community partnerships through BSL and securing a summer procurement internship with Metra. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing me to create meaningful impact both on campus and in my future career.
| BS Information and Decision Sciences, 2027
Undergraduate Business Degrees for Every Interest
Real estate. Marketing. Accounting. Data analytics. Whether you’re interested in one of these areas or another, we offer business degrees for any career goal.
Funding Your Business Degree
A UIC Business education is an investment in your career — and as a public university, UIC offers some of the most competitive tuition rates among top-ranked business schools in the country. To help you cover the cost of your undergraduate business degree, UIC offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. Start by filing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based aid, then explore merit-based scholarships available through UIC and from external business organizations.
UIC Business School Admissions FAQ
What is a first-year student?
At UIC Business, a first-year student is a high school graduate who has not completed an undergraduate degree. If you are still in high school or have completed dual-enrollment or AP courses in high school, you still qualify as a first-year applicant. Students who have attended a college or university after graduating from high school should apply through the transfer admissions process instead.
Are transfer students considered first-year students?
No. Transfer students and first-year students follow separate admissions processes at UIC Business. If you have attended a college or university after completing high school, you are considered a transfer applicant — regardless of how many credits you’ve earned. Visit our Transfer Admissions page for requirements and deadlines specific to your situation.
Are first-year students required to live on campus at UIC Business?
No, UIC Business does not require first-year students to live on campus. As an urban university located in the heart of Chicago, UIC Business welcomes students who commute from across the city and surrounding suburbs. If you’d like to live on campus, UIC Business offers on-campus housing options — but it is not a requirement for enrollment or participation in the UIC Business first-year experience.
When should I apply to UIC Business School?
UIC Business recommends applying as early as possible. Applications for fall admission typically open in late summer or early fall of the prior year. Applying early gives you the best opportunity to be considered for scholarships and the UIC Business Scholars program. Once admitted, the First-Year Intent to Enroll (ITE) deadline is May 1. Visit UIC Admissions for current application deadlines and requirements.