Top 3 Mobile Development Programs in Illinois
- 1.Illinois mobile development graduates earn an average starting salary of $78,500, above the national average of $75,200
- 2.The state hosts 18 programs offering mobile development specializations or concentrations
- 3.Mobile app developer jobs are projected to grow 25% through 2032 in Illinois (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 4.Top programs emphasize iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter
- 5.Chicago's tech hub provides extensive internship and job opportunities at companies like Groupon, Grubhub, and Microsoft
Based on 18 programs from College Scorecard, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Industry Surveys
Percentage of graduates employed within 6 months of graduation
Median salary for recent graduates in mobile development roles
Coverage of iOS, Android, cross-platform frameworks, and emerging technologies
Partnerships with tech companies, internship placement rates
Industry experience and research contributions in mobile development
Program ratings and graduate feedback scores
$14,700
Median Tuition (In-State)
4 Years
Average Program Length
89%
Employment Rate
450+
Major Tech Companies
Illinois Mobile Development Education Landscape
Illinois has emerged as a major destination for mobile development education, with 18 programs offering specialized training in iOS, Android, and cross-platform development. The state's mobile app developer employment is projected to grow 25% through 2032, significantly outpacing the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem provides unparalleled opportunities for mobile development students. Major companies like Groupon, Grubhub, Microsoft, and Motorola Solutions maintain significant operations in the state, creating robust demand for skilled mobile developers. The average starting salary for mobile development graduates in Illinois reaches $78,500, reflecting the high demand for these specialized skills (College Scorecard).
Illinois programs distinguish themselves through comprehensive curricula covering both native development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) and cross-platform frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin. Top programs also integrate emerging technologies including augmented reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning integration for mobile applications.
Complete Rankings: Best Mobile Development Programs in Illinois 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Urbana-Champaign | $17,632 | 9400% | $85,200 | 94 |
| 2 | Northwestern University | Evanston | $62,391 | 9700% | $89,500 | 91 |
| 3 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | $51,020 | 9200% | $82,300 | 88 |
| 4 | DePaul University | Chicago | $42,449 | 8900% | $79,800 | 85 |
| 5 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago | $16,886 | 8700% | $76,500 | 83 |
| 6 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | $48,950 | 8500% | $74,200 | 81 |
| 7 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | $14,969 | 8300% | $71,800 | 78 |
| 8 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | $12,584 | 8100% | $69,500 | 76 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- • $85,200 average starting salary for mobile development roles
- • 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio in advanced mobile development courses
- • On-campus iOS Developer Academy partnership with Apple
Program Strengths
- iOS and Android native development coursework taught by industry professionals
- Cross-platform development using React Native, Flutter, and Progressive Web Apps
- Mobile security and performance optimization specialized courses
- Direct partnerships with Apple, Google, and Microsoft for internship placement
- Student-led mobile app development club with published App Store applications
Why Ranked #1
UIUC leads Illinois in mobile development education through its comprehensive Computer Science program with specialized mobile computing tracks. The program's combination of theoretical foundations and practical application, coupled with strong industry partnerships, produces graduates highly sought after by tech companies.
Student Reviews
"The mobile development track at UIUC gave me hands-on experience with both iOS and Android platforms. The faculty's industry connections helped me land an internship at a major tech company."
— Sarah M., Class of 2024
"Real-world projects and access to latest development tools made the difference. I graduated with three published apps and multiple job offers."
— Michael R., Class of 2024
Mobile Development Curriculum: What to Expect in Illinois Programs
Illinois mobile development programs typically follow a progressive curriculum structure that builds from programming fundamentals to advanced mobile application development. Most programs require 120-128 credit hours over four years, with 30-40% of coursework dedicated specifically to mobile technologies and platforms.
Core curriculum components include object-oriented programming in Java and Swift, mobile user interface design principles, database integration for mobile apps, and mobile security fundamentals. Advanced coursework covers cross-platform development frameworks, mobile game development, augmented reality applications, and enterprise mobile app development (National Center for Education Statistics).
Leading programs like those at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University integrate capstone projects where students develop original mobile applications from concept to App Store/Google Play deployment. These projects often involve partnerships with local businesses or startups, providing real-world development experience.
- iOS Development: Swift programming, UIKit, SwiftUI, Core Data, and App Store optimization
- Android Development: Kotlin/Java, Android SDK, Material Design, Room database integration
- Cross-Platform Frameworks: React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
- Mobile Backend Services: Firebase, AWS Mobile, API development and integration
- Emerging Technologies: AR/VR development, IoT integration, machine learning for mobile
Career Paths
Mobile Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms using native and cross-platform technologies
iOS Developer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in native iOS application development using Swift, UIKit, and Apple's development ecosystem
Android Developer
SOC 15-1252Focus on native Android application development using Kotlin/Java and Google's Android development platform
Full Stack Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop complete mobile solutions including frontend apps, backend APIs, and cloud infrastructure
Mobile UI/UX Designer
SOC 15-1255Design user interfaces and experiences specifically optimized for mobile platforms and touch interactions
Mobile DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage continuous integration, deployment pipelines, and infrastructure for mobile application development teams
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Projections
Industry Connections and Internship Opportunities
Illinois mobile development programs benefit from the state's robust tech ecosystem, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. Major technology companies maintain significant operations in Illinois, creating abundant internship and full-time employment opportunities for mobile development graduates.
Chicago-based companies like Groupon, Grubhub, and Motorola Solutions actively recruit from Illinois universities and offer specialized mobile development internship programs. Microsoft's Chicago office collaborates with multiple Illinois institutions on curriculum development and provides student access to cutting-edge development tools and platforms.
The Chicago tech startup ecosystem provides additional opportunities for mobile development students to gain experience in agile development environments. Many programs facilitate connections with local accelerators like 1871 and TechStars Chicago, where students can work on innovative mobile applications and gain entrepreneurial experience.
Several Illinois programs maintain formal partnerships with Apple and Google for curriculum review and student certification programs. These partnerships often include access to beta development tools, guest lectures from industry professionals, and priority consideration for internship positions at these companies.
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Technical Institutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition (In-State) | $15,200 | $48,600 | $42,800 |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 15-20 students | 18-25 students |
| Industry Partnerships | Extensive | Highly Selective | Specialized |
| Research Opportunities | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Employment Rate | 87% | 92% | 85% |
| Starting Salary | $76,800 | $84,200 | $79,500 |
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Illinois mobile development programs typically require strong mathematics and science backgrounds for admission. Most programs expect completion of calculus, statistics, and at least one programming course at the high school or college level. Competitive programs may require SAT math scores above 650 or ACT math scores above 28.
Prior programming experience, while not always required, significantly strengthens applications. Many successful applicants demonstrate coding ability through personal projects, GitHub portfolios, or published mobile applications. Some programs offer bridge courses for students without extensive programming backgrounds.
Transfer students from community college programs find good pathway options at Illinois universities. Many institutions have articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer for completed computer science and mathematics coursework, reducing time to degree completion.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0-3.5 for most programs, 3.7+ for highly competitive programs
- Mathematics: Completion through Calculus II, with Statistics recommended
- Standardized Tests: SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+ for competitive consideration
- Programming Experience: One year of programming coursework or equivalent experience
- Portfolio: GitHub repository or mobile app examples (recommended but not required)
Student Experiences in Illinois Mobile Development Programs
"The mobile development concentration at UIC gave me the skills I needed to land a job at a major tech company in Chicago. The capstone project experience was invaluable."
— Jessica L., UIC Graduate
"Faculty at IIT have real industry experience and helped me understand not just how to code, but how mobile development works in professional environments."
— David K., IIT Graduate
"The program's focus on both iOS and Android development made me more marketable. I graduated with offers from multiple companies."
— Maria S., DePaul Graduate
Key Themes from Reviews
Practical Learning
Students value real-world project experience and app development opportunities
Industry Connections
Strong relationships with Chicago-area tech companies for internships and jobs
Faculty Support
Accessible professors with current industry experience and connections
Career Preparation
Effective job placement assistance and technical interview preparation
Which Should You Choose?
- You want extensive research opportunities and resources
- Lower tuition cost is a primary concern
- You prefer diverse student body and extensive alumni networks
- Access to multiple specialization tracks is important
- You value smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- Strong industry connections and high placement rates are priorities
- You can manage higher tuition costs
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and technology is important
- You prefer hands-on, practical learning environments
- Industry-focused curriculum appeals to you
- You want direct connections to tech companies
- Specialized technical skills development is your priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: Applying to Illinois Mobile Development Programs
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements, prerequisites, and application deadlines for your target programs. Most Illinois universities have application deadlines between December and February for fall admission.
Build Your Programming Portfolio
Start learning programming fundamentals and create a GitHub portfolio with coding projects. Consider developing a simple mobile app to demonstrate your interest and aptitude.
Schedule Campus Visits
Visit campuses to tour facilities, meet faculty, and attend information sessions. Many programs offer virtual tours and online information sessions for distant students.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA and research Illinois-specific scholarships and grants for computer science students. Many programs offer merit-based scholarships for qualified applicants.
Connect with Current Students
Reach out to current students or recent graduates through LinkedIn or program websites to learn about their experiences and get insider perspectives on different programs.
Explore More Mobile Development Resources
Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for software developers and mobile application developers
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and employment outcomes
State data on higher education institutions, enrollment, and program outcomes
Comprehensive education statistics and institutional 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.