Best Computer Engineering Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 8 colleges offering Computer Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 334 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $65,978 on average within two years — 6% below the national average of $70,338. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $84,100 while Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn $58,673 — a $25,427 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$65,978

IL Avg. Earnings

$70,338

National Avg.

208

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Engineering in Illinois

Public Schools (4)

$69,089

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$84,100

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $88,455

Graduates: 180

Acceptance: 43.7%

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$63,749

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $72,753

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 55.4%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$64,493

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,853

Graduates: 51

Acceptance: 78.5%

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 81.4%

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $69,093

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 97.2%

DeVry University-Illinois

Lisle, IL · For-Profit

$38,937

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,748

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 43.3%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$85,918

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 7.1%

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$58,673

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $54,274

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Engineering in Illinois?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Computer Engineering in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $84,100 within two years of graduation. There are 8 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 $70,338 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 62.1%.

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 4 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $55,232

All colleges in Illinois →

Computer Engineering in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.