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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Governors State University delivers the most affordable Computer and Information Sciences education in Illinois at just $9,477 net cost, though graduates earn $41,937 annually. The gap between cheapest and most expensive programs spans over $25,000, with Illinois Institute of Technology commanding $19,353 net cost but producing the highest-earning graduates at $61,516 per year. Chicago's financial technology sector and major corporations like Boeing create strong demand for computer science graduates across the state. Public universities dominate the lower cost range, with four of the five cheapest options being state schools. The Illinois MAP Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Saint Xavier University's 59% to Loyola University Chicago's impressive 76.9%. Students can expect median debt loads around $21,000 to $25,000 regardless of whether they choose public or private institutions.
30
Programs
$9,477 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$48,656
Avg. Program Earnings
54.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,477 $41,937 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
2 $11,592 $48,667 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $13,696 $48,935 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
4 $19,353 $61,516 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
5 $14,093 $43,798 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
6 $12,093 $35,274 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $18,996 $54,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
8 $29,141 $50,677 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
9 $35,196 $52,107 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
10 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
11 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
12 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
13 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $17,082 $13,288 27.7%
15 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
16 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
17 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
18 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
19 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
20 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
21 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
22 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
23 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
24 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
25 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
26 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
27 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
28 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
29 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
30 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Governors State University such good value for computer science?

Governors State offers the lowest net cost at $9,477 with graduates earning $41,937 annually, creating a strong return on investment. The 19.6% graduation rate reflects the university's focus on working adults and transfer students who often attend part-time. Students graduate with just $15,000 in debt, well below the state average. The proximity to Chicago's tech corridor provides internship and job opportunities.

How do earnings compare between public and private computer science programs?

Illinois Institute of Technology leads with $61,516 average earnings despite being private, while public Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates earn $48,935. The earnings gap between highest and lowest is $26,242, with private schools generally producing higher earners. However, public universities like Illinois State University also achieve strong outcomes at $54,996 average earnings. Cost-adjusted returns often favor public institutions.

Is the higher cost at private universities justified by better graduation rates?

Private universities show mixed results, with Loyola University Chicago achieving 76.9% graduation rates but Saint Xavier University at 59%. Illinois Institute of Technology graduates 72.4% of students while charging $19,353 net cost. Public Illinois State University matches many private schools with 66.3% graduation rates at lower cost. The correlation between price and graduation success varies significantly among institutions.

Does location within Illinois affect computer science job prospects?

Chicago-area schools benefit from proximity to major employers in finance, healthcare technology, and manufacturing automation. Schools like DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology offer direct access to internships at companies requiring computer science skills. However, graduates from programs like Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville still achieve strong $48,935 earnings. The state's economy supports computer science careers across multiple regions and industries.

Where can students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio for computer science?

Governors State University offers strong value with $15,000 average debt and $41,937 earnings, creating favorable repayment scenarios. Illinois State University balances $20,000 debt with strong $54,996 earnings for excellent long-term financial outcomes. Western Illinois University provides another strong option with $24,242 debt and $48,667 earnings. Students should compare total debt loads rather than just net costs when evaluating programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.