22 'Party Schools' That Also Offer Surprisingly Elite Academics

By
Akanksha Sharma
June 16, 2025

11. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): Cornfields, Parties & Computer Science Kings

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Killivalavan Solai

UIUC, set amidst Illinois cornfields, is known for its massive Greek life and vibrant campus bar scene (earning it party school nods). However, it is an undisputed global leader in engineering and computer science (Grainger College of Engineering), where innovations like the first graphical web browser (Mosaic) were born. Its accounting, psychology, and library science programs are also elite. This Big Ten institution is a research behemoth, proving that even in a classic college town setting known for fun, world-changing academic work happens daily.

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Akanksha Sharma
I’m an editor working at the intersection of business, creativity, and thought leadership, shaping complex ideas into clear, impactful content. With a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset, I refine narratives that resonate, collaborate with industry leaders, and align storytelling with business goals. Balancing analytical precision with creative depth, I craft content that informs, inspires, and drives influence.

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