# MyState vs Illinois

The clearest difference is ads: MyState at none against Illinois's shown. MyState also leads on review sentiment (28% vs 11%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Illinois's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ratings volume 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.

MyState holds the better App Store score, 2.9 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 79 and 117 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of MyState's written reviews are positive against 11% of Illinois's.

MyState ships an update every 3 months, Illinois every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MyState | Illinois |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mystate/id548641772/reviews)** | [2.7 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/illinois/id1476075513/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 79 | **117** |
| Positive reviews | **27.5% of reviews** | 10.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 62 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Iowa State University of Science and Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/433925044) | [University of Illinois](https://appshunter.io/developer/422670617) |

## What reviewers say

### MyState

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mystate/id548641772)

This app serves as a comprehensive student toolkit, offering essential information and features for navigating university life. It provides real-time updates on campus transportation, dining options, class schedules, and campus events. Students can also access a directory, library services, and campus maps to enhance their academic and social experience.

**Highlights:** Customizable dashboard, Class schedule and GPA calculator, Real-time bus arrival predictions, Dining hall hours and menus, Campus directory and map, Student organization discovery, Library catalog and account management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful for class schedule
- 👍 Great app when student
- 👍 Contains all needed information
- 👍 Cool app
- 👍 Sleek design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bus tracker inaccurate
- 🐛 Class schedule issues
- 🐛 Dining hall hours inaccurate
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Bus tracker unreliable

**Reported bugs**

- Bus tracker estimates off by 10-15 minutes
- Bus tracker states no buses when there are
- App crashes when opening
- Class schedule issues persist
- Bus tracker not showing buses

**Requested features**

- Add support for alumni
- Third-party access for Ubill
- More accurate bus times
- Show all bus stops on map
- Add parking information


### 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 MyState free?

MyState 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, MyState or Illinois?

MyState is rated higher. MyState averages 2.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Illinois averages 2.7 from 117 ratings.

### Do MyState or Illinois have ads?

Illinois shows ads; MyState does not.

### Which is updated more often, MyState or Illinois?

MyState ships an update every 3 months, and Illinois every 5 weeks. Most recently, MyState was updated on September 28, 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.*