Most Selective Highest Earnings Best Value Free Tuition UK Universities

Best Chemical Engineering Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 4 colleges offering Chemical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 308 recent graduates. Graduates earn $69,173 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $66,408.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $79,688 while University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $60,714 — a $18,974 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

4
Schools in IL
$69,173
IL Avg. Earnings
$66,408
National Avg.
152
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Chemical Engineering in Illinois

Public Schools (2)
$67,497
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$70,850
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,353 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Chemical Engineering Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$79,688
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $71,607
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 7.1%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$74,279
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $73,493
Graduates: 156
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
I

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$62,012
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $63,314
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 55.4%
#4
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$60,714
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $59,645
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 78.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Chemical Engineering in Illinois?
Northwestern University ranks #1 for Chemical Engineering in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $79,688 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Chemical Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Chemical Engineering graduates earn in Illinois?
Chemical Engineering graduates in Illinois earn an average of $69,173 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $66,408 for this major.
What is the hardest Chemical Engineering school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Chemical Engineering program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Chemical Engineering programs in the state is 46.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Chemical Engineering in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Chemical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $70,850 vs $67,497 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764
All colleges in Illinois →

Chemical Engineering in Other States

California New York Pennsylvania Ohio Texas Michigan Massachusetts Connecticut Indiana Alabama Tennessee Florida View All →

Get Chemical Engineering Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.