Engineering programs in Illinois produce graduates with median earnings of $68,089, significantly outpacing national averages. Across 10 programs, career earnings range from $53,213 to $89,363, with program-specific outcomes spanning $68,020 to $103,903—demonstrating how engineering degree selection directly impacts technical careers and median earnings potential.
Leading the list is Northwestern University, achieving the highest program earnings at $103,903. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign follows closely with $94,889 in graduate earnings, while Bradley University rounds out the top three at $81,314. These STEM programs represent Illinois's strongest engineering degree pathways, with public universities and private colleges both delivering exceptional program outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Champaign, IL | $110,373 Median Engineering Earnings | $2,038 | 42.4% | 85.1% | |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $105,799 Median Engineering Earnings | $1,764 | 7.7% | 95.1% |
| #3 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $97,158 Median Engineering Earnings | $28,992 | 81.6% | 73.0% |
| #4 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $92,787 Median Engineering Earnings | $17,269 | 76.8% | 76.2% |
| #5 | Chicago, IL | $92,603 Median Engineering Earnings | $12,964 | 54.9% | 75.2% | |
| #6 | Chicago, IL | $89,169 Median Engineering Earnings | $7,529 | 77.3% | 61.6% | |
| #7 | Dekalb, IL | $86,551 Median Engineering Earnings | $10,126 | 69.8% | 48.7% | |
| #8 | Edwardsville, IL | $86,459 Median Engineering Earnings | $8,483 | 97.5% | 57.0% | |
| #9 | Augustana CollegePrivate | Rock Island, IL | $85,993 Median Engineering Earnings | $15,787 | 62.7% | 72.9% |
| #10 | Carbondale, IL | $84,693 Median Engineering Earnings | $9,415 | 86.9% | 62.4% | |
| #11 | Olivet Nazarene UniversityPrivate | Bourbonnais, IL | $82,632 Median Engineering Earnings | $17,232 | 55.9% | 60.8% |
