Understanding the Acceptance Rate at Gies College of Business

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a prominent business school known for its undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. Understanding the acceptance rate is crucial for prospective students. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the acceptance rate at Gies College of Business and related factors.

Overview of Gies College of Business

The Gies College of Business, part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has a rich history dating back to its establishment as the College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1915. The college has evolved over the years, expanding its programs and embracing online education to reach a global audience. As of 2025, the college has over 3,000 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 postgraduate students currently enrolled.

Historical Context

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has offered courses in accounting even before the formal establishment of the College of Business. The university senate approved the College of Commerce and Business Administration on June 9, 1914, upon the request of David Kinley. The college was officially formed on April 27, 1915, by a vote of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

Online Programs

Since 2015, Gies College of Business has partnered with Coursera to deliver its online MBA (iMBA) program, along with online graduate certificates, an online MSM (iMSM), and an online MSA (iMSA). Starting with 113 students, the online programs have grown to include more than 3,200 degree-seeking students from 46 states in the United States and over 90 countries worldwide.

Campus and Facilities

Gies College of Business is situated on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, primarily around the intersection of Gregory Street and Sixth Street. The college operates in three main buildings: Wohlers Hall, the Business Instructional Facility (BIF), and the Irwin Doctoral Study Hall.

Read also: Business Education at Gies College

Wohlers Hall: Formerly known as Commerce West, Wohlers Hall was constructed in 1963.
Business Instructional Facility (BIF): A modern facility providing advanced educational resources.
Irwin Doctoral Study Hall: A dedicated space for doctoral students to conduct research.

Estimated Acceptance Rate

The Gies School of Business has an estimated undergraduate business school acceptance rate of around 60-65%. However, it is important to note that this figure is an estimate and can vary each year depending on the applicant pool.

Factors Influencing Acceptance Rate

Several factors can influence the acceptance rate at Gies College of Business:

Number of Applicants: The total number of applications received each year.
Academic Qualifications: The average test scores (SAT and/or ACT) and GPA of applicants.
University Rankings: Changes in the overall rankings of the university and business school.
Program Capacity: The number of available seats in each program.

Academic Expectations

Successful applicants to Gies School of Business typically have:

Average ACT Score: 28-32
Average SAT Score: 1360-1500
Average Unweighted GPA: Around 3.7

Trends in Acceptance Rates Among Business Schools

Acceptance rates at business schools can fluctuate, reflecting broader trends in higher education and the competitiveness of specific programs.

Decreasing Acceptance Rates

Fifty schools reported a decrease in their acceptance rates, indicating increased competition for admission. For example:

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business experienced a significant drop in acceptance rates, decreasing by 34.33 points.
The University of Texas at Arlington saw a decrease of 20.33 points, with acceptance rates going from 82.13% to 61.8%.

Increasing Acceptance Rates

On the other hand, 41 schools reported an increase in their acceptance rates, making it relatively easier for applicants to gain admission. These schools often rank lower in overall rankings.

The University of Utah David Eccles School of Business reported a 19.23 point rise from 73.77% to 93%.
Marian University of Indianapolis Byrum School of Business reported a 16.86 point increase.
American University Kogod School of Business reported an 11.66 point rise.

Unique Features of Gies College of Business

Gies College of Business offers several unique programs and facilities that enhance the learning experience.

iMBA Program

The iMBA program is designed to provide skills that drive immediate impact without disrupting current careers. It combines self-directed, asynchronous learning with high-engagement virtual classroom experiences.

Asynchronous Component: Pre-recorded videos and complementary readings for foundational knowledge.
High Engagement Component: Weekly live sessions with faculty and classmates, including case analysis and Q&A opportunities.

The iMBA degree completion time is typically 27 months, with a maximum of 60 months permitted.

Illinois MakerLab

The Illinois MakerLab, located in the Business Instructional Facility, is the world's first business school 3D printing lab. It offers services such as printing, custom designing, prototyping, and educational resources to the Urbana-Champaign community. The lab is equipped with over 20 Ultimaker 3D printers and is managed by undergraduate and graduate students.

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Department of Business Administration

The Department of Business Administration was founded in 1968 through the mergers of the Department of Industrial Administration and Marketing and the Graduate School of Business Administration. The department offers an iMBA program in collaboration with Coursera.

Degree Program Flexibility

Degree programs offer flexibility in completion time, ranging from 24 to 60 months. Students can select from 5 focus areas and 18+ electives. Core specializations include Strategic Leadership and Management, Managerial Economics and Business Analysis, Value Chain Management, and Financial Management.

Notable Alumni

Gies College of Business has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

**Robert J.
Nicholas Dopuch: Former Head of Accounting, Washington University in St.
**A.C.
**Sybil C.
**Richard H.
**John D.
Samuel K. Skinner: Secretary of Transportation (1989-1991); White House Chief of Staff during the George H. W.
**Wilma L.
Heitor Almeida: Stanley C. and Joan J.
**Jack A.
Kent Monroe: John M.
Aric Rindfleisch: John M.
Scott Weisbenner: William G.

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