5 Engineering Technology colleges in Illinois with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $55,893.
These 5 Engineering Technology programs aren't just accessible—they deliver results. Each school ranks in the 60th percentile or above for social mobility, meaning they actually enroll and graduate low-income students. Then we ranked them by graduate earnings, finding schools that are both accessible AND high-performing.
Illinois State University leads the rankings, producing Engineering Technology graduates earning $62,117 while maintaining a 94th percentile mobility score. Across this list, average graduate earnings reach $55,893—demonstrating that schools serving low-income students can compete on outcomes, not just access.
Northern Illinois University serves 46% Pell Grant recipients—students from families earning under $60,000—while still producing graduates earning $57,808. Even better: graduates face just a 5.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Access AND affordability delivered.
Earnings: $62,117 | Mobility: 94th percentile
46% Pell students with $57,808 earnings
5.9% payment burden | Excellent
11.8% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $62,117 | $20,482 | Excellent | $28,767 | Challenging | 94th percentile mobility | |
| #2 | $57,808 | $22,162 | Excellent | $19,508 | Good | 92th percentile mobility | |
| #3 | $54,163 | $25,251 | Excellent | $20,764 | Manageable | 74th percentile mobility | |
| #4 | $53,390 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Manageable | 88th percentile mobility | |
| #5 | $51,989 | $21,500 | Excellent | $17,781 | Manageable | 74th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
