The University of Illinois at Springfield is the smallest and newest school in the U of I system. Formerly known as Sangamon State, it originally offered only upper-level and graduate courses. U of I acquired it and changed the name in 1995; about 20 years ago, it became a full-fledged four-year university.
The university has nearly 60 undergraduate programs, and nearly 40 minors. At the bachelor’s degree-level, business and computer science draw in the most students, and UIS’s public affairs programs have always been strong. It's a relatively small school. It has about 4,500 students, and about 50% are undergraduates.
The school’s location in the state capital helps students snag government and nonprofit internships. Its Center for State Policy and Leadership provides a forum for research and discussion on policy issues, and Emiquon Field Station allows students to work alongside scientists who are working on wetlands restorations. UIS also has a well-established online program; about 40% of undergrads are enrolled exclusively in distance education and another 40% have some online classes as part of their coursework.
