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Rankings / By State

Best Engineering Colleges in Illinois

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights
11
Schools Analyzed
$63,352
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
63%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$16,119
Avg. Net Price

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Considering an engineering degree in Illinois? You have several strong options to choose from, all known for their focus on outcomes that matter. For many families, earning potential is a key factor, and the average earnings for engineering graduates in this state stand at $63,352.

What sets the top schools apart is not just their program offerings but their real-world outcomes. Factors like graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, net price, and student debt inform this ranking. The schools below have demonstrated strong performance in these areas, making them worthy of consideration for students looking to enter the engineering field.

Take the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, for example, which boasts an impressive $81,054 in earnings and an 85% graduation rate. In contrast, the University of Illinois Chicago has a lower average earning potential of $68,740 and a 61% graduation rate. This difference highlights the importance of not only choosing a program but also understanding how each school prepares its students for future success.

Key Findings

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $81,054 on average.

Northwestern University has a 96% graduation rate, the highest on this list.

Students at Illinois Institute of Technology face an average debt of $25,000.

The average graduation rate among these top schools is 63%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11
Avg. earnings at 10yr $63,352
Avg. graduation rate 63%
Avg. net price $16,119
Avg. median debt $19,124

How We Ranked

Engineering programs in Illinois ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICEIllinois InstituteNorthwestern UniversityUniversity ofSouthern IllinoisBradley University

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Illinois Institute of Te…74%Northwestern University96%University of Illinois U…85%Southern Illinois Univer…56%Bradley University74%Northern Illinois Univer…49%University of Illinois C…61%North Central College68%Olivet Nazarene Universi…61%Rock Valley College38%City Colleges of Chicago…32%

Top 3

#1

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL

Graduation74%
Earnings$82,592
Net Price$18,425

View full profile →
#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Graduation96%
Earnings$89,363
Net Price$29,167

View full profile →
#3

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL

Graduation85%
Earnings$81,054
Net Price$14,355

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

#1

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · 2,833 students · Private nonprofit

The Illinois Institute of Technology stands out for its focus on technology and engineering, making it an appealing choice for students with a passion for STEM fields. Despite a graduation rate of 74%, the school nurtures a tight-knit community of just under 3,000 students, where hands-on learning and research opportunities are plentiful. This setting helps students develop practical skills that are highly valued in the workforce.
55% accepted 74% graduate $82,592 earnings
Illinois's full profile
#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · 9,201 students · Private nonprofit

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is an excellent choice for students who seek a rigorous academic experience at a prestigious institution. With a graduation rate of 96%, it clearly emphasizes student success and support. The intimate community of around 9,200 students fosters a collaborative environment where individuals can develop their passions while building lasting connections.
8% accepted 96% graduate $89,363 earnings
Northwestern's full profile
#3

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · 36,258 students · Public

With over 36,000 students, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a hub of academic activity and innovation. The school boasts an impressive 85% graduation rate, indicating a supportive environment that helps students succeed and thrive in their chosen fields. It's a place where diverse ideas meet, and collaboration is encouraged, making it an attractive option for those looking to engage deeply with their studies.
42% accepted 85% graduate $81,054 earnings
University's full profile
#4

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · 8,750 students · Public

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomes a diverse student body with a generous acceptance rate of 98%. Despite a graduation rate of 56%, the university fosters a supportive environment, encouraging students to succeed academically and socially while pursuing their degrees.
98% accepted 56% graduate $56,346 earnings
Southern's full profile
#5

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · 3,574 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 74%, Bradley University in Peoria, IL, prepares students for a competitive job market. The median earnings of $66,852 at ten years post-graduation reflect a solid return on investment, making it an appealing choice for students focused on their future careers.
77% accepted 74% graduate $66,852 earnings
Bradley's full profile
#6

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · 11,301 students · Public

Northern Illinois University in Dekalb serves over 11,000 students, creating a vibrant campus life. Although the graduation rate is 49%, NIU offers numerous resources to help students navigate their academic journeys and reach their goals, fostering resilience and perseverance along the way.
70% accepted 49% graduate $57,808 earnings
Northern's full profile
#7

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · 22,170 students · Public

The University of Illinois Chicago, with its diverse student body of over 22,000, is known for its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With a graduation rate of 61%, it offers a supportive environment for students from various backgrounds, particularly benefiting those who may need additional resources. The urban setting in Chicago provides ample opportunities for internships and real-world experiences that can enhance learning.
77% accepted 61% graduate $68,740 earnings
University's full profile
#8

North Central College

Naperville, IL · 2,428 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Naperville, Illinois, North Central College has a vibrant community of around 2,400 students, with a graduation rate of 68%. This suggests that many students find their footing and achieve their academic goals here. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,123 within a decade, indicating strong career outcomes for those who complete their degrees.
77% accepted 68% graduate $60,123 earnings
North's full profile
#9

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL · 2,603 students · Private nonprofit

Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, serves around 2,600 students and boasts a graduation rate of 61%. This suggests a solid support system for students, helping them navigate their college experience successfully. Graduates report median earnings of $53,213 ten years after finishing their degree, which reflects positively on the value of an education from Olivet Nazarene.
56% accepted 61% graduate $53,213 earnings
Olivet's full profile
#10

Rock Valley College

Rockford, IL · 4,359 students · Public

With a student body of over 4,300 in Rockford, Illinois, Rock Valley College presents an accessible option for those looking to start their higher education journey. The college has a solid graduation rate of 38%, indicating a commitment to helping students succeed, and its median earnings at ten years post-graduation sit at $39,158, suggesting that graduates are entering the workforce with decent earning potential.
38% graduate $39,158 earnings
Rock's full profile
#11

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Chicago, IL · 4,372 students · Public

At Wilbur Wright College, students have the opportunity to access higher education in the heart of Chicago. While the graduation rate is lower at 32%, the college promotes an inclusive atmosphere where students from diverse backgrounds can engage in learning and personal growth.
32% graduate $41,625 earnings
City's full profile

The data shows a striking difference in outcomes between schools. Northwestern University has the highest graduation rate at 96%, which likely contributes to its higher average earnings of $89,363. In contrast, the University of Illinois Chicago, while more affordable with a net price of $10,974, has a graduation rate of only 61%, resulting in lower earnings for its graduates.

After reviewing the options, it's essential to consider what matters most to you and your family. Think about location, campus culture, and financial implications alongside these statistics. A school with a lower net price might seem appealing, but weigh that against potential earnings and graduation rates to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Ultimately, the stakes are high when it comes to choosing the right college. The path from college to a stable career can hinge on these decisions. For families, understanding these outcomes can guide them toward making a choice that not only fits their financial situation but also sets their student up for long-term success in the engineering field.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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