Curious about the largest university in Chicago? That’s the University of Illinois Chicago. UIC is a public research university. It has a rich history. Its roots trace back to the late 19th century. Several health colleges formed its foundation. These included the Chicago College of Pharmacy. It opened in 1859.
The University of Illinois Chicago boasts a sprawling campus. It occupies 244 acres. UIC stands proudly on Chicago’s Near West Side. It is near the Chicago Loop. UIC is not just big. It is impactful. More than 33000 students attend. They enroll across 16 colleges. UIC is classified as an R1 doctoral university. This means very high research activity.
UIC’s story began with a promise. In 1867, the University of Illinois was established. It was in Champaign-Urbana. Chicago legislators wanted a “polytechnical” branch in their city. The Chicago-based health colleges affiliated in 1896-97. They fully integrated in 1913. They became the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. They were on Chicago’s west side.
After World War II, the G.I. Bill changed everything. It made college accessible to many veterans. In 1946, the University of Illinois opened a temporary branch. It was called the Chicago Undergraduate Division. It was located on Navy Pier. Classes began in October 1946. About 4000 students enrolled each semester. It was nicknamed “Harvard on the rocks”.
Demand surged for a permanent Chicago campus. In 1961, a decision was made. A four-year university was to be established in Chicago. In 1965, the new campus opened. It was named the University of Illinois at Congress Circle. It referenced the nearby Circle Interchange. Later, it was renamed the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle.
In 1982, a significant change occurred. The University of Illinois system consolidated UICC and UIMC. This formed the University of Illinois at Chicago. The “at” was later dropped. It became University of Illinois Chicago.
UIC’s East Campus showcases brutalist architecture. Walter Netsch designed it. He was from Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The West Campus has older buildings. Some have a collegiate gothic style.
UIC provides student housing. There are ten residence halls. The East Campus has five. The South Campus has three. The West Campus has two. UIC has transformed into a residential campus. Nearly 6000 students live near campus.
UIC offers many academic options. There are over 90 bachelor’s degrees. Over 100 master’s degrees are available. Plus, there are 60 doctoral degrees. These are across 16 colleges.
UIC’s commitment extends beyond academics. It includes community engagement. UIC is focused on eliminating disparities. These are in health, education, and economic opportunity. UIC is among the top five most diverse campuses in the nation.
UIC’s athletic teams are called the Flames. This is a reference to the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. UIC competes in NCAA Division I.
The University of Illinois Chicago stands as a testament to vision. It also stands for growth. It is a place of opportunity. UIC continues to shape Chicago. It also influences the world.