The University of Illinois Masters in Finance program is one of the first MSF programs out there and the university is internationally renowned, making this a very popular MSF. Looks like I last provided an update about a year ago so definitely time for an new post. The program continues to have outstanding results and provide value for its students.
Class Profile
Below is the class profile for the Fall 2023 class. Compared to the last time I wrote about the program the stats have largely remained the same. The one thing that jumped out at me is the work experience. Previously, the average work experience was under a year. Now it looks like the program has had an influx of experienced students. Personally, I like this. A lot of students will be fresh graduates and I think you can learn a lot from having experienced classmates.
- Class Size – 130 Students
- Avg. GPA – 3.37
- Avg. GMAT – 680
- Avg. GRE – 320
- Avg. Work Experience – 2.25 years
Career Outcomes
As mentioned in previous posts, the university doesn’t break out graduates by year, but gives a running total. They do give placement information by citizenship status. The starting salary for graduates looks strong as well.
- 100% – Successful outcomes for domestic graduates within six months of graduation (2023)
- 87% – Successful outcomes for international graduates within six months of graduation (2023)
- $70,842 Average starting salary for 2022 graduates
Admissions
The application cycle is now open for the spring class, with plenty of time to apply.
Application deadlines for Spring 2025:
| Spring 2025 | Submission deadline | Decision expected |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 15, 2024 | 3 weeks |
| Round 2 | October 20, 2024 | 3 weeks |
| Fall 2025 | Submission deadline | Decision expected |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | January 19, 2025 | 5 weeks |
| Round 2 | March 16, 2025 | 5 weeks |
| Round 3 | April 20, 2025 | 4 weeks |
| Round 4 | June 8, 2025 | 4 weeks |
| Tuition Expenses Estimates based on 2023-24 | Fall ’24 | Spring ’25 | Fall ’25 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,100 | $22,100 | 22,100 | 66,300 |
| Campus Fees | $2,697 | $2,697 | $2,697 | $8,091 |
| Subtotals | $24,797 | $24,797 | $24,797 | $74,391 |
An international student fee of $76 will be applied to all international students each semester.
Compared to the last time I posted an update it looks like tuition has increased by under $2K. Now this is not a cheap program by any measure, but from the placements and starting salary, as well as the reputation UIUC has, this looks like a good investment.
—
That is the update for now. Will see if I can get a student review as I think they are very helpful. This program continues to have great success. Definitely have this on your radar if you are looking into MSF programs.
Here is a link to the University of Illinois Masters in Finance Program
