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  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
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University of Illinois, Chicago

Public University

Chicago, Illinois

Free Speech Rankings

We use real student experiences, university policies, and speech controversies to annually determine the free speech rankings. This year FIRE ranked 257 U.S. colleges and universities and College Pulse surveyed more than 68,000 students.

Explore College Free Speech Rankings

Campus Speech Climate

Overall Score out of 100 57.30
Overall Ranking out of 257 130
Speech Climate Grade F

Student Perceptions Rankings (out of 257 schools)

Openness 24
Administrative Support 60
Comfort Expressing Ideas 31
Disruptive Conduct 183
Self-Censorship 143
Political Tolerance 149

Campus Speech Policies

Spotlight Rating Yellow

Speech Controversies

Deplatformings 0
Scholars Under Fire 0
Students Under Fire 1
Honor Roll Statements 0

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