Top 3 Data Science Programs in Illinois 2025
Northwestern University
Elite data science program with strong industry connections to Chicago finance and tech sectors. 95% job placement rate
University of Chicago
Research-intensive program with world-class faculty in statistics and machine learning. Strong quantitative finance pathway
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Top public data science program with excellent value. Strong computer science foundation and industry partnerships
- 1.Illinois has 25+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Northwestern University ranks #1 in Illinois with 97% graduation rate and strong Chicago finance industry connections
- 3.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers top-tier data science education at $17,572 in-state tuition—1/4 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.Illinois data scientists earn median $112,840 annually—7% above the national median (BLS Illinois 2024)
- 5.Chicago serves as a major data science hub with 18,500+ analytics jobs across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors
Data Science Education Landscape in Illinois
Illinois offers a diverse range of data science programs, from world-renowned private research universities to excellent public institutions. The state's proximity to Chicago's thriving financial and technology sectors provides exceptional internship and career opportunities for data science graduates.
For comprehensive program comparisons nationwide, see our national data science bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost-effective options should review our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our data scientist salary guide for detailed compensation analysis.
Illinois stands out for its combination of academic excellence and practical career opportunities. The state's data science programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience with real-world datasets, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the workforce.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Illinois May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and personalized attention metrics
Illinois-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Complete Illinois Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Private | $64,887 | 97% | 6:1 | 96.8 |
| 2 | University of Chicago | Chicago | Private | $65,619 | 95% | 5:1 | 95.2 |
| 3 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Urbana | Public | $17,572 | 85% | 20:1 | 92.4 |
| 4 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | Private | $54,720 | 73% | 12:1 | 88.9 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago | Private | $43,665 | 71% | 15:1 | 86.2 |
| 6 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago | Public | $16,038 | 68% | 18:1 | 84.7 |
| 7 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private | $51,000 | 79% | 14:1 | 83.5 |
| 8 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public | $14,098 | 54% | 16:1 | 81.3 |
| 9 | Illinois State University | Normal | Public | $15,196 | 72% | 18:1 | 80.8 |
| 10 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | Public | $14,364 | 49% | 16:1 | 78.9 |
| 11 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private | $39,930 | 77% | 11:1 | 78.2 |
| 12 | Western Illinois University | Macomb | Public | $13,596 | 52% | 17:1 | 76.5 |
| 13 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Public | $11,580 | 58% | 14:1 | 75.8 |
| 14 | Chicago State University | Chicago | Public | $11,022 | 29% | 12:1 | 73.2 |
| 15 | Governors State University | University Park | Public | $12,846 | 35% | 10:1 | 72.4 |
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $95,000 for bachelor's graduates
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Direct recruiting pipeline to McKinsey, Deloitte, and Chicago trading firms
- • Access to Northwestern's extensive alumni network in finance and technology
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate—highest among Illinois data science programs
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Strong industry partnerships with Chicago finance and consulting firms
- Integrated internship program with guaranteed summer placements
- Advanced research opportunities in AI and machine learning
Why Ranked #1
Northwestern leads Illinois data science education with exceptional faculty, industry connections, and career outcomes. The program combines rigorous statistical theory with practical machine learning applications.
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months
- • Average starting salary: $90,000 for bachelor's graduates
- • Strong placement in quantitative finance and economic consulting
- • Access to Chicago Booth School of Business resources and networking
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate with rigorous academic standards
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio in core data science courses
- World-renowned faculty including Nobel Prize winners
- Strong emphasis on statistical theory and econometrics
- Excellent preparation for graduate school and research careers
Why Ranked #2
UChicago offers a research-intensive data science program with world-class faculty in statistics, economics, and computer science. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations while providing practical applications.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 88% job placement rate with competitive starting salaries
- • Average starting salary: $82,000 for bachelor's graduates
- • Strong alumni network in Chicago and Silicon Valley
- • Active research opportunities in AI, machine learning, and big data
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate with strong retention in STEM fields
- Excellent value at $17,572 in-state tuition
- Integration with top-ranked computer science department
- Strong industry partnerships with Fortune 500 companies
- Comprehensive curriculum covering statistics, programming, and domain applications
Why Ranked #3
UIUC provides exceptional value in data science education, combining top-tier academics with affordable public school tuition. The program leverages the university's strong computer science and engineering foundations.
Illinois University Systems for Data Science
Illinois offers data science education through several university systems, each with distinct advantages. The University of Illinois system provides excellent public education options, while private institutions like Northwestern and University of Chicago offer research-intensive programs with smaller class sizes.
The University of Illinois system includes three campuses offering data science programs. UIUC provides the flagship experience with top national rankings, UIC offers urban advantages with close industry connections, and UIS serves students seeking smaller campus environments. Students can also explore related programs in computer science and artificial intelligence.
Private universities in Illinois excel in personalized education and industry connections. Northwestern University and University of Chicago lead in research output and graduate school placement, while institutions like DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology provide practical, career-focused education with strong industry partnerships in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors across Chicago and Illinois.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build and deploy ML models for Chicago's fintech companies, healthcare systems, and manufacturing corporations.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Transform data into actionable insights for Illinois-based corporations and consulting firms.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Design and maintain data infrastructure for Chicago's growing technology and financial services sector.
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2041Apply mathematical models to financial markets for Chicago's numerous trading firms and banks.
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1012Conduct advanced analytics research at universities, national laboratories, and R&D centers across Illinois.
Source: Chicago serves as the third-largest tech hub in the US with over 18,500 data science and analytics positions across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors (BLS Illinois 2024)
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Pennsylvania
Florida
Georgia
| Cost Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $15,200 | $32,400 | $51,800 |
| Room & Board | $12,800 | $12,800 | $14,200 |
| Total Annual Cost | $28,000 | $45,200 | $66,000 |
| 4-Year Total | $112,000 | $180,800 | $264,000 |
| Average Class Size | 45-60 students | 45-60 students | 20-30 students |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Excellent |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Chicago's thriving finance and technology job market
- Excellent public university options with strong value propositions
- Research opportunities at world-class private institutions
- Proximity to major corporations and consulting firms for internships
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Strong alumni networks in Midwest business and technology sectors
- Silicon Valley tech ecosystem and startup culture (California)
- Highest concentration of data science jobs and salaries (California, Washington)
- East Coast finance and biotech opportunities (New York, Massachusetts)
- Warmer climate and growing tech scenes (Florida, Texas)
- Lower overall cost of education and living (regional options)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Data Science Programs
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics from 2023
Illinois-specific salary data for data science occupations, May 2024
State-specific higher education data and program information
Supplementary institutional quality metrics and selectivity data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.