Best Computer Engineering Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 6 colleges offering Computer Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 312 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $65,978 on average within two years — 6% below the national average of $70,025. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $85,918 while DeVry University-Illinois graduates earn $38,937 — a $46,981 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

6
Schools in IL
$65,978
IL Avg. Earnings
$70,025
National Avg.
174
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Engineering in Illinois

Public Schools (3)
$69,089
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$74,834
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $5,745 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Engineering Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$85,918
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 7.1%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$84,100
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $88,455
Graduates: 180
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$64,493
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,853
Graduates: 51
Acceptance: 78.5%
#4
I

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$63,749
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $72,753
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 55.4%
#5
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$58,673
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $54,274
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 90.4%
#6
D

DeVry University-Illinois

Lisle, IL · For-Profit

$38,937
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,748
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 43.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Engineering in Illinois?
Northwestern University ranks #1 for Computer Engineering in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $85,918 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Computer Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Computer Engineering graduates earn in Illinois?
Computer Engineering graduates in Illinois earn an average of $65,978 within two years of graduation. This is 6% below the national average of $70,025 for this major.
What is the hardest Computer Engineering school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Computer Engineering program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Engineering programs in the state is 53.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Engineering in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Computer Engineering programs produce average earnings of $74,834 vs $69,089 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

All colleges in Illinois →

Computer Engineering in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.