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Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Illinois

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

Computer Science programs in Illinois deliver remarkable value differences, with net costs spanning from $8,916 at University of Illinois Springfield to $27,143 at Northwestern University. The earnings gap proves equally striking, ranging from $42,682 to $101,592 annually. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out as an strong performer, combining a moderate $15,201 net cost with the highest graduate earnings at $101,592. This translates to a return that justifies its reputation as one of the nation's top computer science programs. Illinois benefits from Chicago's role as a major technology center, hosting companies like Boeing, McDonald's, and Motorola Solutions alongside numerous fintech startups. The state's MAP Grant program helps qualifying students reduce costs further at public institutions. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four schools offering net costs below $14,000. Private institutions like University of Chicago and Northwestern command premium prices but deliver correspondingly high graduate salaries exceeding $90,000.
40
Programs
$8,837 – $29,550
Net Price Range
$66,170
Avg. Program Earnings
59.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

40 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $60,399 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $15,201 $101,592 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
3 $12,313 $68,153 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
4 $13,696 $67,240 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
5 $9,477 $45,696 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
6 $18,967 $91,211 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
7 $12,909 $59,519 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $15,113 $67,995 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
9 $12,437 $54,748 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $13,550 $56,544 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $19,353 $78,971 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
12 $27,143 $98,403 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
13 $16,177 $57,318 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $18,996 $64,990 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
15 $18,470 $55,964 $13,546 40.0%
16 $23,572 $67,420 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
17 $23,033 $63,501 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
18 $29,141 $79,284 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
19 $24,875 $67,660 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
20 $18,370 $42,682 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
21 $26,984 $61,516 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
22 $20,152 $44,928 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
23 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
24 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
25 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
26 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
27 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
28 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
29 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
30 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
31 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
32 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
33 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
34 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
35 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
36 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
37 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
38 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
39 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
40 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign such strong value for computer science?

UIUC combines a relatively affordable $15,201 net cost with the highest graduate earnings in the state at $101,592. The program maintains an 84.90% graduation rate, significantly above the state average. Students also graduate with manageable debt levels averaging $18,983, creating excellent long-term financial outcomes.

How do public universities compare to private schools for computer science value in Illinois?

Public universities offer substantially lower net costs, with five schools under $14,000 compared to private institutions starting around $15,000. However, elite private schools like Northwestern ($98,403 earnings) and University of Chicago ($91,211 earnings) produce higher salaries. The earnings premium often justifies the higher costs for students at top-tier private institutions.

Is the University of Chicago worth its $18,967 net cost for computer science?

University of Chicago graduates earn $91,211 annually, ranking second in the state behind only UIUC. The school maintains a 94.90% graduation rate, nearly double many public alternatives. With extremely selective 5.43% acceptance rates, admitted students typically receive substantial financial aid that makes the program more affordable than the sticker price suggests.

Does location within Illinois affect computer science career prospects?

Chicago-area schools benefit from proximity to major employers in finance, healthcare technology, and manufacturing automation. The city hosts numerous tech companies and startups requiring computer science talent. Schools like UIC ($68,153 earnings) and Northeastern Illinois ($56,544 earnings) provide direct access to internships and entry-level positions in the metropolitan job market.

What explains the low graduation rates at some Illinois computer science programs?

Governors State University shows a 19.60% graduation rate while Northeastern Illinois University records 16.80%. These schools often serve working adults and transfer students who attend part-time, extending completion timelines beyond traditional four-year measurements. Both institutions offer significantly lower debt loads, with Governors State averaging just $15,750 in student debt.

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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.