Explore Cohen Hillel at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

With nearly 3,000 Jewish students and a top academic institution, Hillel is a home-away-from-home for many Jewish students from around the country. On a daily basis, dozens of students relax at Hillel between classes or at the end of their day; staff members are frequently seen around campus working with students to maximize their experiences on campus. Hillel holds about 500 programs each year including sports tournaments, social gatherings, educational opportunities and professional development sessions. Champaign-Urbana has an Eruv, a Mikvah and 3 kosher restaurants including Hillel's Cafe Sababa. The Campus has several kosher dining options, a unique Jewish studies program that offers a Minor and a Major in its field.

Undergraduate Enrollment

3,250 Jewish Students (10.1%*)
32,273 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

1,000 Jewish Students (4.6%*)
21,828 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience

  • Served by Hillel Yes
  • Religious Services Available Yes
  • Rabbi/Jewish Educator on Campus Yes
  • Kosher Food Available Yes
  • Birthright Israel Participation Yes
  • Alt Break Participation No
  • Jewish Studies Offered Yes
  • Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
  • Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program, University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
  • Israel Fellow Yes

Kosher Dining

Kosher Dining is available at Allen Hall dormitory. Hillel offers kosher hot lunches for sale during weekdays and free meals on Shabbat (Dinner, Lunch, 3rd Meal). Kosher breakfasts are available for free following the daily morning Minyan. Kosher groceries (frozen meat,dry goods etc...) are available in the local markets or through Hillel's caterer. There are two additional Kosher restaurant in town.

Options: University meal plan-no extra cost;Hillel meal plan-extra cost;Hillel meal plan-no extra cost;Kosher food available nearby

Religious Services

Daily orthodox minyan service is offered on campus. We hold Kabalat Shabbat and Maariv services on Friday for Conservative, Reform and Orthodox. Shabbat morning services for Orthodox meet regularly and for Conservative and Reform meet from time to time in cooperation with the Champaign-Urbana's Sinai Temple. We hold Reform, Conservative and Orthodox High Holiday services.

Frequency: Daily

Additional Campus Information

  • Private/Public Public
  • Acceptance Rate 59%
  • U.S. Region Midwest
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $12,474
  • Tuition Out-of-State $30,446
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 19% / 20%
  • Greek Life Yes

Trips & Experiences

Related Scholarships

Check out some of the scholarships available for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Jewish undergraduate students.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bernard Heerey Family Foundation Scholarship

The Bernard Heerey Scholarship is aimed at enhancing Jewish learning and ritual through learning. The scholarship fund will grant $2,500 tuition scholarships to up to 20 students each semester. Students must be enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (or accepted admission if they are incoming students).

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Karson Family Scholarship For Incoming Freshman

This scholarship is aimed at enhancing Jewish student leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Applicants must be: high school seniors or incoming college freshmen who have not taken any higher education credits, and be active Jewish leaders prior to beginning their college career.

The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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Contact Information

503 East John Street
Champaign IL 61820 US
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