Looking for GPA boosters at UIUC? Here’s a curated list of the top 15 easiest classes at UIUC in 2025 — perfect for stress-free scheduling, light workload, and easy A’s!
Why Every UIUC Student Needs a “GPA Cushion”
Let’s face it — surviving a semester at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) isn’t a walk in the park, especially if you’re buried in tough major courses. Whether you’re an engineering major calculating your way to sanity or a pre-med hunting for GPA insurance, a few “easy A” classes can make all the difference.
But here’s the catch: not all easy classes are created equal. Some are fun, engaging, and laid back. Others might be mind-numbingly boring or packed with hidden busywork.
In this blog, we’ve compiled UIUC’s top 15 easiest classes to help you strike the perfect balance — with verified student insights and tips on how to enroll before they fill up.
What Makes a UIUC Class “Easy”?
Every student defines “easy” differently, but here’s what the majority at UIUC agree on:
- Minimal homework & tests
- High grade distribution (easy A potential)
- No final exam or open-book exams
- Good professors with engaging teaching styles
- Courses that fulfill gen eds with low effort
Our selections are based on a combination of Reddit threads, RateMyProfessors reviews, student surveys, and direct feedback from past takers.
🔥 Top 15 Easiest Classes at UIUC (2025 Edition)
Here’s the golden list of the easiest and most chill classes across different departments:
| Course Code | Course Title | Why It’s Easy |
|---|---|---|
| ATMS 100 | Weather & Climate | No textbook, interesting lectures |
| ART 140 | Introduction to Art | Project-based, no exams |
| HORT 100 | Intro to Horticulture | Relaxing labs, hands-on learning |
| DANC 100 | Dance Appreciation | Fun, movement-based, no stress |
| GEOL 100 | Planet Earth | High GPA average, great visuals |
| JOUR 200 | Intro to Journalism | Light writing, engaging topics |
| THEA 101 | Intro to Theatre Arts | Watch plays, write simple reviews |
| MACS 100 | Intro to Media | Media analysis, very light reading |
| ANTH 101 | Intro to Anthropology | Simple exams, real-world relevance |
| PHIL 101 | Intro to Philosophy | Conceptual, no wrong answers |
| LING 100 | Language & Society | Interesting, minimal homework |
| SOC 100 | Intro to Sociology | Straightforward content, easy essays |
| PSYC 100 | Intro to Psychology | Popular, memory-based, high pass rate |
| RELS 101 | Intro to Religion | Reading-heavy but simple grading |
| ESE 118 | Sustainable Energy | No lab, high-interest lectures |
🎯 Best “Easy A” Gen Eds — By Category
🧠 Easy Humanities Classes
- PHIL 101 (Philosophy)
- RELS 101 (Religion)
- THEA 101 (Theatre Arts)
All three offer flexible grading, open-ended questions, and interesting discussions.
🌍 Social Science Electives
- SOC 100
- ANTH 101
- PSYC 100
These classes often repeat questions from study guides and offer bonus points!
🌤️ Natural Sciences Without Labs
- GEOL 100
- ATMS 100
Perfect for non-STEM majors who want science credits without equations or lab reports.
🎨 GPA Boosters in Arts & Culture
- ART 140
- DANC 100
- MACS 100
Expect lots of fun, creative learning with minimal assessments.
💡 Pro Tips to Snag These Classes Before They Fill
⏰ Register as Early as Possible
These classes fill up FAST — especially among freshmen and sophomores. Mark your time ticket and set alarms!
🧠 Use Watchlists & Waitlists
If it’s full, waitlist it. Also try scheduling tools like UIUC Self-Service and Degree Audit.
👂 Ask Reddit and Upperclassmen
Reddit threads like r/UIUC are gold mines for recent student reviews and syllabus leaks.
🎓 Sample UIUC Schedules Using Easy Classes
Here’s how you can balance a heavy semester with 2 easy classes:
| Day | Class | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Mon/Wed | ECE 210 | Core (Tough) |
| Tue/Thu | ATMS 100 | Easy Gen Ed |
| Tue | ART 140 | Chill Elective |
| Online | MACS 100 | Self-paced |
This structure lets you focus on your core class while breezing through others.
🚩 Mistakes to Avoid When Picking “Easy” Classes
❌ Only Going by RateMyProfessors
Professors change, and so do course structures. Always read the latest syllabus if available.
❌ Choosing Boring Courses Just for the GPA
Don’t pick something you’ll dread — even easy classes should offer some spark of interest.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the easiest gen ed at UIUC?
A: Most students vote for ATMS 100 or DANC 100 for high A rates and low effort.
Q: Can STEM majors take these classes too?
A: Yes! Many are open to all majors and satisfy gen ed or elective requirements.
Q: How many easy classes should I take per semester?
A: 1–2 per semester is ideal for GPA balancing and avoiding burnout.
Q: Do these classes affect my transcript or grad school chances?
A: Not negatively. A higher GPA is always better, and most grad schools understand course variety.
✨ Final Thoughts: Easy Doesn’t Mean Worthless
Taking a couple of easier courses each semester isn’t cheating the system — it’s smart academic planning. UIUC offers plenty of fun, enriching classes that won’t drain your mental energy or tank your GPA.
So go ahead — build that GPA cushion, explore something new, and make your schedule work for you.
