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Best Value Computer Engineering Colleges in Illinois

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

Northwestern University graduates earn $85,918 annually in Computer Engineering, nearly double the $38,937 earned by DeVry University-Illinois alumni. This $46,981 earnings gap reflects the wide range of program quality across Illinois's 11 Computer Engineering schools. Chicago's finance and technology sectors actively recruit from state universities, with many graduates joining trading firms and fintech companies downtown. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the strongest combination of affordability and outcomes, charging just $15,201 net price while producing graduates who earn $84,100. Public schools dominate the value proposition, with three state universities offering net prices below $17,000.
11
Programs
$12,313 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$65,978
Avg. Program Earnings
66.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Computer Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $84,100 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $12,313 $64,493 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $16,177 $58,673 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
4 $19,353 $63,749 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
5 $27,143 $85,918 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
6 $30,878 $38,937 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
7 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
8 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
9 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
10 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the top value choice?

UIUC combines a low $15,201 net price with $84,100 graduate earnings, creating strong return on investment. The 84.90% graduation rate ranks second-highest among all Illinois programs, while the 44.82% acceptance rate maintains selectivity without being impossible to enter.

How do public versus private Computer Engineering costs compare in Illinois?

Public schools average under $16,000 in net costs, while private nonprofits range from $18,370 to $35,196. Northwestern charges $27,143 but justifies the premium with $85,918 graduate earnings, while Illinois Institute of Technology costs $19,353 for $63,749 outcomes.

Is the MAP Grant available for Computer Engineering students?

Yes, Illinois residents with family incomes under $61,000 qualify for MAP Grants up to $6,468 annually. The grant applies to both public and private Illinois schools, making programs like UIC even more affordable at just $12,313 net price for eligible students.

Where do Illinois Computer Engineering graduates typically work?

Chicago's financial district employs many graduates in algorithmic trading and fintech development. Major employers include Boeing, Caterpillar, and Abbott Laboratories, plus numerous startups in the 1871 innovation center and throughout the Chicago technology corridor.

More Computer Engineering Rankings

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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.