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Best Industrial Engineering Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 5 colleges offering Industrial Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 186 recent graduates. Graduates earn $69,102 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $67,367.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $79,849 while University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $59,576 — a $20,273 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

5
Schools in IL
$69,102
IL Avg. Earnings
$67,367
National Avg.
82
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Industrial Engineering in Illinois

Public Schools (3)
$65,920
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$73,874
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $7,954 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Industrial Engineering Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$79,849
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $84,644
Graduates: 54
Acceptance: 7.1%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$75,775
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $68,901
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$67,899
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,979
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 76.7%
#4
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$62,409
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $58,020
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 70.5%
#5
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$59,576
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $69,412
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 78.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Industrial Engineering in Illinois?
Northwestern University ranks #1 for Industrial Engineering in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $79,849 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Industrial Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Industrial Engineering graduates earn in Illinois?
Industrial Engineering graduates in Illinois earn an average of $69,102 within two years of graduation. This is 3% above the national average of $67,367 for this major.
What is the hardest Industrial Engineering school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Industrial Engineering program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Industrial Engineering programs in the state is 55.3%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Industrial Engineering in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Industrial Engineering programs produce average earnings of $73,874 vs $65,920 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

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764
All colleges in Illinois →

Industrial Engineering in Other States

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