Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Illinois 2025
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Top-ranked public computer science program with strong software engineering focus and direct recruitment from major tech companies
Northwestern University
Prestigious private university with innovative software engineering curriculum and strong Chicago corporate connections
University of Illinois at Chicago
Located in Chicago tech hub with extensive internship opportunities and affordable public education quality
- 1.Illinois has 20+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 in Illinois with 92% graduation rate and world-class CS reputation
- 3.Illinois software developers earn median $118,920 annually—10% above the national median (BLS Illinois 2024)
- 4.Chicago is the 3rd largest tech hub in the US with 200,000+ software jobs at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce
- 5.In-state tuition at public universities averages $16,315—significantly lower than private alternatives at $50,000+
Software Engineering Education in Illinois
Illinois offers exceptional software engineering education opportunities, anchored by the prestigious University of Illinois system and enhanced by Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem. The state combines world-class academic institutions with practical industry experience through internships and co-ops with major technology companies.
Students benefit from the state's diverse tech landscape, from Fortune 500 companies in Chicago to innovative startups throughout the state. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Those considering different degree paths should review our computer science programs in Illinois or explore our software engineer career guide for detailed salary and employment data.
The University of Illinois system, particularly UIUC, consistently ranks among the top computer science programs globally, while private institutions like Northwestern offer smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks. Community colleges provide affordable pathway programs for transfer students, making quality software engineering education accessible at various price points.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Illinois May 2024, ABET 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility from IPEDS
Illinois-specific software engineer salaries from BLS OEWS
ABET accreditation and curriculum strength
Illinois Software Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Urbana-Champaign | Public | $17,572 | 92% | 20:1 | 96.8 |
| 2 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Private | $64,887 | 94% | 7:1 | 94.2 |
| 3 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago | Public | $15,058 | 78% | 18:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | Private | $54,720 | 82% | 13:1 | 87.9 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago | Private | $42,449 | 74% | 15:1 | 84.6 |
| 6 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private | $50,430 | 81% | 14:1 | 82.3 |
| 7 | Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale | Public | $14,967 | 65% | 14:1 | 79.8 |
| 8 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private | $38,900 | 78% | 11:1 | 79.2 |
| 9 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public | $12,174 | 68% | 16:1 | 77.5 |
| 10 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Public | $11,580 | 64% | 14:1 | 75.9 |
| 11 | Western Illinois University | Macomb | Public | $11,346 | 62% | 13:1 | 74.2 |
| 12 | Chicago State University | Chicago | Public | $10,836 | 42% | 9:1 | 71.8 |
| 13 | University of St. Francis | Joliet | Private | $35,900 | 69% | 13:1 | 71.5 |
| 14 | Governors State University | University Park | Public | $12,456 | 51% | 12:1 | 69.3 |
| 15 | Lewis University | Romeoville | Private | $34,900 | 72% | 14:1 | 68.9 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% graduation rate with median starting salaries over $105,000
- • Over 50 tech companies recruit directly on campus annually
- • 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio in upper-level courses
- • $17,572 in-state tuition providing exceptional value
Program Strengths
- World-renowned computer science faculty with expertise in software engineering, AI, and systems
- State-of-the-art Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science with modern labs and facilities
- Strong industry partnerships providing internships and full-time placement opportunities
- Comprehensive curriculum covering software design, algorithms, databases, and emerging technologies
- Active research programs in software engineering methodologies and tools
Why Ranked #1
UIUC consistently ranks among the top 5 computer science programs nationally, with exceptional faculty research, world-class facilities, and direct recruitment pipelines to major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate with high job placement rates
- • Located near Chicago providing internship and networking opportunities
- • Strong co-op programs with major corporations
- • Access to Northwestern's extensive alumni network
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes with 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Interdisciplinary approach combining computer science with business and engineering
- Strong emphasis on software engineering best practices and project management
- Extensive alumni network in Chicago's tech and finance sectors
- Modern facilities and cutting-edge research opportunities
Why Ranked #2
Northwestern combines rigorous academic excellence with innovative teaching approaches, offering small class sizes and strong connections to Chicago's business and technology communities through its prestigious alumni network.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • Located in America's third-largest tech hub
- • $15,058 in-state tuition offering excellent value
- • Strong job placement rates in Chicago tech sector
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio providing good access to professors
Program Strengths
- Prime Chicago location with easy access to tech companies and startups
- Affordable public education with strong academic reputation
- Diverse student body reflecting Chicago's multicultural environment
- Active partnerships with local tech companies for internships and projects
- Modern computing facilities and research labs
Why Ranked #3
UIC's location in downtown Chicago provides unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities while offering quality public education at an affordable price point with strong industry connections.
University of Illinois System and Private Institutions
The University of Illinois system anchors software engineering education in the state, with three campuses offering distinct advantages. UIUC provides world-class research opportunities and national prestige, UIC offers urban advantages and Chicago tech connections, and UIS (Springfield) focuses on practical applications with smaller class sizes.
Private institutions add valuable diversity to Illinois' educational landscape. Northwestern University delivers elite education with extensive alumni networks, while schools like DePaul and Illinois Institute of Technology provide specialized programs with strong industry focus. These institutions often feature smaller class sizes and more personalized attention than large public universities.
- University of Illinois system: 3 campuses with varying strengths and specializations
- Private research universities: Northwestern, DePaul, IIT with unique program features
- Regional public universities: NIU, SIU offering affordable alternatives
- Community colleges: Pathway programs for transfer students and cost savings
Career Paths
Design, develop, and maintain software applications across various industries in Illinois' diverse economy
Analyze complex datasets for Illinois businesses, particularly in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors
Streamline software development and deployment processes for Chicago's tech companies and startups
Protect Illinois organizations from cyber threats, particularly in finance and government sectors
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Illinois Software Engineering Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $15,200 | $28,400 | $45,600 |
| Room & Board | $12,800 | $12,800 | $14,200 |
| Total Annual Cost | $28,000 | $41,200 | $59,800 |
| Average Class Size | 25-40 students | 25-40 students | 15-25 students |
| Faculty-Student Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 | 12:1 |
| Research Opportunities | High (UIUC) | High (UIUC) | High |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Very Strong |
| Alumni Network | Large | Large | Selective |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to a world-class public university (UIUC) at affordable in-state tuition
- Proximity to Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem with internship opportunities
- Strong job market with 200,000+ software engineering positions statewide
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major tech hubs
- Diverse industry opportunities beyond just tech (finance, manufacturing, healthcare)
- More sunshine and warmer weather year-round
- Larger concentration of tech startups and venture capital
- Higher average starting salaries (though cost of living is higher)
- More specialized programs like game development or embedded systems
- Access to specific tech company headquarters outside the Midwest
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Software Engineering Programs
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
Illinois software engineer salary and employment data for May 2024
Engineering program accreditation status as of 2024
Current tuition and fee information for 2024-25 academic year
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.