There are many reputable colleges and universities in Illinois, and it can be challenging trying to find the best one for a degree in your preferred field. This extensive guide highlights the best engineering schools in Illinois and the programs they offer to make your search easier.
Let’s jump right in and look at the essential details of the schools that made our list based on Illinois engineering school rankings, degree affordability, graduation rates, and more. You can gain the skills and knowledge necessary from the best engineering schools in Illinois to land a high-paying job and have a successful career. This article also includes ideas for what you can do with an engineering degree, including how much you can expect to earn.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Illinois
To choose the best engineering school in Illinois for you, consider factors such as location, cost, and the different branches of engineering. Read the section below for a brief look at the most important factors to consider when choosing the best engineering institution in Illinois for you.
Tuition Costs
Your college budget will highly influence which school you attend. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of attending a public university is $25,700 per year. Earning an engineering degree costs a lot of money, so you should try to find a university that offers an affordable and high-quality engineering education.
Degree Levels Available
Before you apply for admission into a university, you need to know what degree you want to pursue. Community colleges usually mainly offer associate degrees, while a four-year college or university will have associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Research degree options at the university of your choice before you enroll.
Location
When looking for the best engineering schools in Illinois, you should consider the university’s location. Attending a university in your hometown could result in lower costs for things like transport and tuition. Attending a university far from your home will cost you more.
Flexibility of Format
The delivery and flexibility of a degree program will influence your decision when choosing an educational institution. If you are a working professional, an online degree will likely suit you best, but if you want the full college experience, look for a degree available on campus. According to recent data from Statista, more than 45 percent of college students are enrolled in an online degree program.
Career Services
Many universities have helpful career services that can aid students in their job search. Look for a university or college with career services such as career coaching and internship placement. This will ensure you have a higher chance of securing employment after earning your degree.
Illinois Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Illinois?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Engineering in Railway Engineering | #6 |
| University of Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Molecular Engineering | Master of Science in Molecular Engineering | #6* |
| Northwestern University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | PhD in Materials Science and Engineering | #15 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Master of Energy Engineering | #81 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #86 |
| Loyola University-Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Master of Science in Software Engineering | #103* |
| DePaul University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Master of Science in Software Engineering | #127* |
| Southern Illinois University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering | #183 |
| Illinois State University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | None | #202* |
| Northern Illinois University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering | #299-391* |
Illinois Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Illinois
To rank the best engineering schools in Illinois, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Illinois Explained
Enrolling in one of the best engineering schools in Illinois will give you access to a wide variety of engineering programs, such as environmental or mechanical engineering. Here is a detailed breakdown of the best Illinois engineering schools, including their graduation rates, programs offered, tuition, and rankings.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Illinois
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Illinois provide high-quality associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering that will equip students with valuable technical skills to start their engineering careers. See the lists below for 10 of the best undergraduate engineering schools in Illinois and find out why they are the best.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Illinois
- John Wood Community College | Associate in Engineering Science. Completing an engineering associate degree at this institution will introduce you to engineering and prepare you for transferring to a four-year degree program. John Wood Community College has a science and engineering club students can join.
- Elgin Community College | Associate in Engineering Science. Students will learn about engineering in this two-year program and gain a solid foundation in science and math. It prepares students to transfer to an engineering bachelor’s degree program.
- College of Lake County | Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Students will learn from highly qualified professors while studying mechanical engineering technology at this college. The program teaches students about designing, analyzing, drafting, and testing mechanical components and products.
- Heartland Community College | Associate in Engineering Science. This college offers an Associate in Engineering Science degree that is affordable. Students will learn about engineering fundamentals in small classes. You will also choose an area of emphasis.
- Richland Community College | Associate in Engineering Science. This program helps students learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students should consider this degree if they plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Illinois
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | BS in Computer Engineering. US News & World Report has ranked this university’s undergraduate programs as the sixth-best in the US. Students studying engineering at this university have access to research labs and other facilities.
- Northwestern University | BS in Civil Engineering. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at this university will ensure you get a thorough and high-quality education. The program teaches students to combine left- and right-brain thinking to create whole-brain engineering.
- University of Illinois Chicago | BS in Mechanical Engineering. This university offers an excellent mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree taught by highly qualified industry professionals. Students have access to testing and student support services.
- Illinois Institute of Technology | BS in Mechanical Engineering. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Armour College of Engineering offers this engineering bachelor’s degree. Students have access to over 150 student organizations at this school.
- Southern Illinois University | BS in Electrical Engineering. This degree program at Southern Illinois University encourages students to conduct research and participate in hands-on learning. US News & World Report ranked this school’s engineering programs among the best in the US.
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Illinois
Completing an advanced degree at one of the best graduate engineering schools in Illinois will help you gain essential technical and research skills for a successful career in the engineering industry. Read the breakdown below of the best engineering colleges for advanced studies in Illinois and their programs to help you pick the right graduate engineering degree for you.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Illinois
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Students pursuing this degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have degree options, such as a thesis or non-thesis track, and six concentrations. Students also have access to career development opportunities, such as career fairs.
- Northwestern University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This master’s degree equips students with valuable skills and has a thesis and non-thesis track. While completing this master’s degree, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members that have vast academic experience while conducting research in the field.
- University of Illinois Chicago | Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. This university has business partnerships and can help students find an internship to start their careers. It also has three degree options: a thesis, coursework only, and a project option.
- Illinois Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Studying for a master’s degree at this university will give students access to career services to ensure they land high-paying jobs in the engineering industry. There are also internship opportunities, and students will work closely with faculty.
- Southern Illinois University | Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This university helps graduate students gain essential leadership skills. Students have access to mental health resources such as stress reduction facilities and other support.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Illinois
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | PhD in Aerospace Engineering. Students completing this degree will learn from highly qualified faculty members and can access high-quality research facilities at the Grainger College of Engineering. It also offers financial aid options to PhD students, including fellowships and assistantships.
- Northwestern University | PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at this university allows students to learn from industry experts with national and professional awards in the field. It has seven minors that students can choose from.
- University of Illinois Chicago | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This PhD program is open to bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates. This university’s college of engineering has research facilities that help students learn.
- Illinois Institute of Technology | PhD in Electrical Engineering. This school prepares students to start a research or teaching career in the electrical engineering industry. Students can also join student organizations for support.
- Southern Illinois University | PhD in Engineering Science. Students completing an engineering science PhD at this university will have access to over 30 engineering laboratories. Students also have five concentrations to choose from.
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Illinois
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Illinois will differ depending on whether you apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree. Undergraduate students will typically need a minimum grade point average and be required to submit high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and an admission essay.
Graduate student admission requirements are similar to undergraduate ones, but additional requirements include a resume and at least a bachelor’s degree. Some schools require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores, but this is usually optional.
Engineering Schools in Illinois: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete an online application form.
- Pay an application fee of approximately $40 to $75.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and submit official transcripts.
- Have a minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.0.
- Submit one or more letters of recommendation.
- Write and submit an admission essay or personal statement.
- Submit SAT/ACT scores, which may be optional depending on the school.
- International students must show proof of English proficiency.
Engineering Schools in Illinois: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Complete an online application form.
- Pay the application fee, which is between approximately $25 and $70.
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree, and send in academic transcripts.
- Have a good GPA of between 2.7 and 3.0.
- Submit a resume.
- Submit your GRE or GMAT scores.
- Write and submit a personal or professional statement.
- Submit one or more recommendation letters.
- International students must submit English proficiency test scores.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Illinois?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Illinois. Many schools in Illinois that offer engineering programs have high acceptance rates. However, there are also selective schools in Illinois with very low acceptance rates. Here are some of the easiest engineering schools to get into in Illinois.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Illinois for Engineering
- John Wood Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This school is a community college in Illinois that believes strongly in lifelong learning. Its dedication to educating people has resulted in open admissions. This community college has an engineering associate degree.
- Elgin Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This community college offers an Associate of Engineering in Science. Students are guaranteed admission due to the school’s open-admission policy.
- Southern Illinois University | Acceptance Rate: 92%. Admission into Southern Illinois University is relatively easy because it has low GPA requirements and no SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT requirements. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in engineering at this university.
- Illinois State University | Acceptance Rate: 81%. Students applying to this university have a high chance of admission because it doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, and SAT or ACT scores are not required. Students can pursue Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering Technology, Engineering Physics, and technology and engineering education.
- University of Illinois Chicago | Acceptance Rate: 73%. This university is relatively easy to get accepted into because it has very few admission requirements. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD Degrees in Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Illinois
The best online schools for engineering in Illinois are the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, and the University of Illinois Chicago. In this section, we discuss the top five online engineering schools in Illinois and their online engineering programs. All statistics in the section below come from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 86% | MS in Aerospace Engineering |
| DePaul University | 68% | MS in Software Engineering |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 67% | Master of Engineering |
| Northern Illinois University | 58% | MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering |
| Southern Illinois University | 53% | BS in Electrical Engineering Technology |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Illinois
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Illinois are the University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Students can attend these high-quality universities and earn a graduate or undergraduate degree at an affordable price. The list below features the most affordable engineering schools in Illinois.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Illinois With Financial Aid
Attending college for engineering is costly, but many of the top engineering schools in Illinois have financial aid options that can help you pay for your engineering education. Additionally, there are state and federal financial assistance options. Federal student aid is provided to students in need by the federal government.
These federal student aid programs include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. The state of Illinois also offers financial aid to resident students who need help paying for college. The state of Illinois can help students afford their college tuition with scholarships, repayment programs, and grants.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Illinois Students
- Engineering and Technology Alumni Society Endowed Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. This award from Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is for students currently pursuing a degree from the school’s engineering college. Eligible candidates are undergraduate students with an average GPA of 3.0.
- ACE Award | Amount: Covers 3 credits for 2 semesters. Illinois Tech students are eligible for this award if they are enrolled in a master’s degree program through the school’s Armour College of Engineering (ACE).
- AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. Students applying for this scholarship need to demonstrate proof of financial need and should be accepted into a college to pursue undergraduate engineering majors.
- Robert BB and Josephine N Moorman Scholarship | Amount: Covers tuition expenses and academic fees. This scholarship is given to undergraduate students pursuing a civil engineering degree. Students must be American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) members to be considered for this scholarship. The application deadline is February 10 each year.
- Ken Stier Scholarship for Engineering Technology | Amount: $2,000. This award is for transfer and returning students enrolled in an engineering technology degree program at Illinois State University who show creativity, leadership, and ambition. The application deadline is March 1 every year.
Illinois Employment Outlook for Engineering
The Illinois employment outlook is very favorable for graduate and undergraduate engineering students. The number of jobs in the state of Illinois has been consistently increasing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Illinois’ unemployment rate decreased from 5.1 percent to 4.6 percent in approximately five months recently.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has documented that the employment rate of all non-farming professionals in Illinois has increased by 4.3 percent over the last year. This is a significant rise in employment, making Illinois a great place for engineering students to seek job opportunities.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Illinois
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $109,970 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $100,190 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,040 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,680 |
| Civil Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,670 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Illinois Explained
The best engineering jobs in Illinois are software engineer, electrical engineer, and mechanical engineer. Pursuing an engineering degree in Illinois will help you land one of these high-paying jobs. See the breakdown below of the best engineering jobs in Illinois for engineering degree program graduates.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Illinois I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Illinois you go to for engineering because each school is different and offers different engineering programs. Before looking for your engineering school in Illinois, you should decide what kind of engineering you would like to study and what type of engineering job you want.
One of the best engineering schools in Illinois will help you start your career in engineering with a highly favorable salary. While searching for the best school in Illinois for engineering, you should look at the Illinois engineering school rankings and research the programs each school offers to help you decide.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Illinois FAQ
Yes, you can get a remote engineering job. Many reputable companies are looking for engineers to work remotely. If you are looking to find a remote role, there are several job boards for remote workers.
Yes, there are a few engineering bootcamps available in different cities, but they are not common. Typically, engineering jobs require candidates to have more extensive training in engineering as it is an extremely technical field.
You can find engineering jobs listed on job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. You may have to apply to several positions before you find your dream job and at the beginning, settle for a low starting salary, but the more experience you gain, the more you will have access to higher-level positions that pay well.
Yes, you can get an entry-level engineering job without a degree. However, you will need to receive training and attend courses and workshops to gain experience and knowledge in the engineering industry. For higher-level positions, you will need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering as a minimum qualification.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
