Compare 7 Computer Engineering. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $88,376.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Computer Engineering tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $68,020 to $122,137—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Computer Engineering program leads with graduates earning $122,137. Northwestern follows at $119,297, while Illinois Institute of Technology delivers $87,437. The $54K gap between top and bottom programs shows why evaluating individual programs beats relying on institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Northwestern graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 2.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. When parent loans are included, Northwestern maintains the lowest family burden at 6.5%, proving top programs can also be financially accessible.
Highest program earnings: $122,137
Strong outcomes with 55% acceptance
2.1% payment burden | Excellent
6.5% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $122,137 | 341 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $119,297 | 24 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
| #3 | $87,437 | 31 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $75,299 | 53 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Good | |
| #5 | $74,600 | 18 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Good | |
| #6 | $71,841 | 16 | $20,500 | Excellent | $21,500 | Manageable | |
| #7 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $68,020 | 32 | $24,157 | Excellent | $54,045 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
