Best Computer Science Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 25 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,260 recent graduates. Graduates earn $66,656 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $68,283.

School choice matters significantly: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $101,592 while Roosevelt University graduates earn $44,928 — a $56,664 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$66,656

IL Avg. Earnings

$68,283

National Avg.

389

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in Illinois

Public Schools (9)

$64,606

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (16)

$68,193

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,587 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$101,592

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $101,262

Graduates: 151

Acceptance: 43.7%

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$91,211

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $93,918

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 4.8%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$98,403

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $84,037

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 7.1%

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$78,971

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $65,905

Graduates: 50

Acceptance: 55.4%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$68,153

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $73,060

Graduates: 219

Acceptance: 78.5%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$64,990

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $68,002

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 89.0%

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$67,420

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $50,879

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 76.7%

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$67,240

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,415

Graduates: 65

Acceptance: 97.2%

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · Public

$60,399

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,516

Graduates: 110

Acceptance: 84.4%

#10

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$59,519

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $58,306

Graduates: 160

Acceptance: 70.5%

#12

Benedictine University

Lisle, IL · Private

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $53,515

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 90.4%

#14

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,802

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 85.1%

#15

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$56,544

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $52,326

Graduates: 113

Acceptance: 70.4%

#16

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$67,995

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,883

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 79.8%

#17

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$54,748

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,729

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 67.7%

#18

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $52,836

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 72.7%

#19

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$63,501

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $52,561

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 58.3%

#20

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

$45,696

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,670

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: N/A

#22

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$44,928

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,779

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 94.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in Illinois?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Computer Science in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $101,592 within two years of graduation. There are 25 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.

How much do Computer Science graduates earn in Illinois?

Computer Science graduates in Illinois earn an average of $66,656 within two years of graduation. This is 2% below the national average of $68,283 for this major.

What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Computer Science program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 69.7%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $68,193 vs $64,606 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 16 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Engineering $65,978 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 Science 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.