# Best Computer Science Colleges in Illinois

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 36 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-illinois

## Methodology

Computer Science programs in Illinois ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a college for computer science is a crucial decision that can shape future career paths. In Illinois, several institutions stand out for their strong programs and successful outcomes, making them worthy of consideration. For students aiming for a lucrative career in tech, the average earnings for computer science graduates across the state hover around $59,790.

What sets the top schools apart is not just their curriculum but their graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings. The institutions listed below reflect a range of outcomes that can influence your decision. For example, you’ll notice significant differences in graduation rates and net prices, which can greatly affect your college experience and financial future.

Take the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago as examples. The University of Chicago boasts an impressive 95% graduation rate and average earnings of $91,885, while the University of Illinois Chicago has a much lower graduation rate of 61% and earnings of $68,740. This contrast highlights the importance of evaluating not just the financial aspects but also the support systems in place that help students succeed.

## Key Findings

- University of Chicago graduates earn an average of $91,885, the highest in this list.
- Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, ensuring a strong completion track.
- The average debt for Illinois Institute of Technology graduates is $25,000, the highest among the top five.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lowest net price at $14,355.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 95% | $91,885 | $14,860 | $15,000 | 0.16x |
| 2 | [Illinois Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-institute-of-technology) | Chicago, IL | 74% | $82,592 | $18,425 | $25,000 | 0.3x |
| 3 | [Northwestern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwestern-university) | Evanston, IL | 96% | $89,363 | $29,167 | $15,000 | 0.17x |
| 4 | [Lewis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lewis-university) | Romeoville, IL | 65% | $66,099 | $17,028 | $21,500 | 0.33x |
| 5 | [Southern Illinois University Edwardsville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville) | Edwardsville, IL | 56% | $56,346 | $14,889 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 6 | [Illinois State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-state-university) | Normal, IL | 65% | $62,117 | $19,398 | $20,482 | 0.33x |
| 7 | [Bradley University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bradley-university) | Peoria, IL | 74% | $66,852 | $22,719 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 8 | [DePaul University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/depaul-university) | Chicago, IL | 69% | $68,751 | $30,902 | $23,168 | 0.34x |
| 9 | [University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign) | Champaign, IL | 85% | $81,054 | $14,355 | $19,500 | 0.24x |
| 10 | [Dominican University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dominican-university) | River Forest, IL | 59% | $60,327 | $11,745 | $24,411 | 0.4x |
| 11 | [Knox College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/knox-college) | Galesburg, IL | 68% | $54,820 | $24,595 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 12 | [Northeastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeastern-illinois-university) | Chicago, IL | 18% | $52,234 | $14,109 | $14,600 | 0.28x |
| 13 | [Northern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-illinois-university) | Dekalb, IL | 49% | $57,808 | $13,391 | $22,162 | 0.38x |
| 14 | [University of Illinois Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 61% | $68,740 | $10,974 | $16,704 | 0.24x |
| 15 | [University of Illinois Springfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-springfield) | Springfield, IL | 57% | $57,103 | $9,833 | $19,128 | 0.33x |
| 16 | [Lake Forest College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-forest-college) | Lake Forest, IL | 74% | $61,825 | $28,673 | $26,158 | 0.42x |
| 17 | [North Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-central-college) | Naperville, IL | 68% | $60,123 | $21,044 | $24,500 | 0.41x |
| 18 | [Illinois Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-wesleyan-university) | Bloomington, IL | 78% | $70,871 | $28,199 | $27,000 | 0.38x |
| 19 | [Elmhurst University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/elmhurst-university) | Elmhurst, IL | 68% | $61,462 | $24,185 | $20,489 | 0.33x |
| 20 | [Saint Xavier University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-xavier-university) | Chicago, IL | 58% | $58,656 | $10,970 | $22,223 | 0.38x |
| 21 | [Carl Sandburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carl-sandburg-college) | Galesburg, IL | 45% | $35,274 | $3,662 | $4,909 | 0.14x |
| 22 | [Western Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-illinois-university) | Macomb, IL | 45% | $54,163 | $12,937 | $25,251 | 0.47x |
| 23 | [Judson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/judson-university) | Elgin, IL | 56% | $56,313 | $18,558 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 24 | [Olivet Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/olivet-nazarene-university) | Bourbonnais, IL | 61% | $53,213 | $20,729 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 25 | [Roosevelt University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roosevelt-university) | Chicago, IL | 38% | $48,712 | $20,194 | $22,000 | 0.45x |
| 26 | [McKendree University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mckendree-university) | Lebanon, IL | 57% | $58,572 | $24,717 | $23,250 | 0.4x |
| 27 | [Rockford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rockford-university) | Rockford, IL | 43% | $54,794 | $22,436 | $22,274 | 0.41x |
| 28 | [Southern Illinois University-Carbondale](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-carbondale) | Carbondale, IL | 59% | $53,390 | $13,297 | $21,543 | 0.4x |
| 29 | [Augustana College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augustana-college) | Rock Island, IL | 76% | $62,971 | $22,736 | $27,000 | 0.43x |
| 30 | [College of DuPage](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-dupage) | Glen Ellyn, IL | 25% | $46,909 | $7,401 | $10,410 | 0.22x |
| 31 | [Wheaton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wheaton-college) | Wheaton, IL | 86% | $63,756 | $26,975 | $23,250 | 0.36x |
| 32 | [Governors State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/governors-state-university) | University Park, IL | 21% | $58,169 | $12,329 | $18,618 | 0.32x |
| 33 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-wilbur-wright-college) | Chicago, IL | 32% | $41,625 | $6,375 | $6,500 | 0.16x |
| 34 | [National Louis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/national-louis-university) | Chicago, IL | 33% | $45,799 | $12,641 | $19,750 | 0.43x |
| 35 | [East-West University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-west-university) | Chicago, IL | 20% | $29,963 | $21,697 | $26,986 | 0.9x |
| 36 | [Principia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/principia-college) | Elsah, IL | 75% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Computer Science Colleges in Illinois." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-illinois

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.