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Cheapest Electrical Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Western Illinois University delivers the state's most affordable electrical engineering education at just $11,592 net cost, while Northwestern commands $27,143 despite its 95.9% graduation rate. This $15,551 gap reflects Illinois' split between budget-conscious public options and elite private institutions. The University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $70,610 annually, benefiting from proximity to Chicago's finance and technology sectors where electrical engineers design trading systems and smart building infrastructure. With 11 programs spanning from rural Macomb to metropolitan Chicago, Illinois offers pathways into the state's $787 billion economy where electrical expertise drives manufacturing automation and energy grid modernization.
11
Programs
$11,592 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$68,897
Avg. Program Earnings
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
4 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
5 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
6 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
7 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
8 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
9 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
10 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
11 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $73,707 despite moderate costs?

UIUC combines strong industry connections with rigorous academics, producing graduates who command the highest salaries among Illinois electrical engineering programs. The school's 84.9% graduation rate signals consistent program quality that employers recognize and reward.

How do public university costs compare across Illinois regions?

Public programs range from $11,592 at Western Illinois to $16,177 at Southern Illinois Carbondale, with most clustering around $12,000-14,000. Geographic location affects costs less than individual university funding models and state support levels.

Is Illinois Institute of Technology worth its $19,353 net cost?

IIT graduates earn $68,499 annually with a 72.4% graduation rate, making it competitive with public options. The private Chicago location provides direct access to technology companies and engineering firms that actively recruit from the program.

Does graduation rate correlate with program affordability in Illinois?

Not necessarily - Northwestern achieves 95.9% graduation rates at $27,143 while Southern Illinois Edwardsville manages 55% at $13,696. East-West University's 23% rate at $21,055 suggests cost alone doesn't predict student success.

More Electrical, Electronics and Communications 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.