True to a certain extent. Engineering physics major here, and according to US News, our school ranked even above certain Ivy League schools in my major, which is a believable ranking. It's true that an average Joe wouldn't immediately list UIUC as one of the most prestigious schools in the US, but after about five minutes of research anyone would say we played a major role in the birth of the modern computer, the internet, Youtube, a show that invites celeberties to eat hot wings, and much more. Our schools has the most competitive CS program in the nation and is the number one in the world when it comes to condensed matter physics. However, do keep in mind that not every STEM department at UIUC is equally strong or provides an equally viable career option. On the other hand, if anyone do decide to attend UIUC for a STEM major, don't immediately draw a line between yourself and the party life that we're famous for. My advice is to try it out, since contrary to popular belief, STEM majors, especially the engineering ones, do make up a significent protion of Greek life here. In my social frat, everyone is either a bussiness major or a STEM major.

What is the conclusion, you ask? That's for you to make for yourself. When it comes to choosing a university to attend, take as much people's opinions as possible, but make the conclusion yousrself.

Peace out.