# Gies Groups vs Illinois

The clearest difference is rating: Gies Groups at 4.8 against Illinois's 2.7. Gies Groups also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Gies Groups holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 70 and 117 respectively.

Gies Groups ships an update monthly, Illinois every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 1, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gies Groups | Illinois |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gies-groups/id1419813512/reviews)** | [2.7 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/illinois/id1476075513/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 70 | **117** |
| Positive reviews | — | 10.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 66 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Novalsys, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/566688507) | [University of Illinois](https://appshunter.io/developer/422670617) |

## What reviewers say

### Gies Groups

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gies-groups/id1419813512)

Connect with fellow students and access essential resources from Gies College of Business. Discover events, join student groups, and find information on academics, advising, and career services.

**Highlights:** College-wide event listings, Student group information, Academic department details, Advising services, Career services resources, Exclusive member content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Illinois

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/illinois/id1476075513)

Navigate the University of Illinois with this comprehensive digital companion. Access class schedules, your student ID, campus maps, and event information. Utilize an AI assistant for university-related questions and discover wellness resources.

**Highlights:** Customizable home screen, Class schedules and locations, Digital student ID and bus pass, AI-powered university assistant, Interactive campus maps with amenities, Campus event listings, Wellness resources

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gies Groups free?

Gies Groups is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Illinois free?

Illinois is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Gies Groups or Illinois?

Gies Groups is rated higher. Gies Groups averages 4.8 out of 5 from 70 ratings, while Illinois averages 2.7 from 117 ratings.

### Do Gies Groups or Illinois have ads?

Illinois shows ads; Gies Groups does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gies Groups or Illinois?

Gies Groups ships an update monthly, and Illinois every 5 weeks. Most recently, Gies Groups was updated on September 1, 2026 and Illinois on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*