Welcome to UIUC.
As stated your Ap credits will go much further. It’s affordable and has a great reputation. Forget about Alumni networks which both are strong. It’s only there if you take advantage of it. Be active on campus and do things to set yourself apart. Internships and job offers like that. Yes, it’s a pipeline to Chicago and their tech sector is growing. Look up 1871 in Chicago.
But you can get an internship anywhere.
Good luck.