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Best Value Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Illinois

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

Western Illinois University delivers the state's most affordable mechanical engineering education at $11,592 net cost, while Northwestern University graduates earn $73,112 annually but require a $27,143 investment. The $15,551 cost difference between these extremes reflects Illinois' sharp divide between public accessibility and private outcomes. Chicago's manufacturing sector and aerospace companies like Boeing create strong demand for mechanical engineers, with most Illinois programs producing graduates earning between $59,534 and $71,144. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign balances both worlds with a moderate $15,201 net cost and impressive 84.90% graduation rate.
10
Programs
$11,592 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$65,363
Avg. Program Earnings
64.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,313 $63,005 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
2 $12,909 $64,150 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $15,201 $71,144 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
4 $13,696 $59,534 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
5 $16,177 $64,068 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
6 $19,353 $61,268 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
7 $23,572 $66,621 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
8 $27,143 $73,112 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
9 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
10 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the strongest value proposition?

UIUC combines a reasonable $15,201 net cost with $71,144 median earnings and an 84.90% graduation rate. The program maintains a competitive 44.82% acceptance rate while delivering outcomes that rival Northwestern at roughly half the price.

How do Illinois public universities compare for mechanical engineering affordability?

Illinois public programs range from $11,592 at Western Illinois to $16,177 at Southern Illinois Carbondale. University of Illinois Chicago offers the best balance at $12,313 with decent earning potential of $63,005 and a 78.69% acceptance rate.

Is Northwestern University worth the premium cost for mechanical engineering?

Northwestern commands $27,143 net cost but produces the highest earnings at $73,112 with just $13,942 in debt. The 95.90% graduation rate and 7.21% acceptance rate reflect its selective nature and strong industry connections.

Where do Illinois mechanical engineering graduates find employment opportunities?

Chicago's manufacturing base and companies like Caterpillar provide strong regional demand. The state's finance sector also hires mechanical engineers for quantitative roles, while aerospace and automotive industries offer additional career paths throughout Illinois.

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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.