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Best Computer Science Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 21 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,235 recent graduates. Graduates earn $66,656 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $68,504.

School choice matters significantly: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $101,592 while Lewis University graduates earn $42,682 — a $58,910 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

21
Schools in IL
$66,656
IL Avg. Earnings
$68,504
National Avg.
312
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in Illinois

Public Schools (9)
$64,606
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (12)
$68,193
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,587 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$101,592
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $101,262
Graduates: 151
Acceptance: 43.7%
#2
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$98,403
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $84,037
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 7.1%
#3
U

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$91,211
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $93,918
Graduates: 39
Acceptance: 4.8%
#4
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$79,284
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 73.5%
#5
I

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$78,971
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,905
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 55.4%
#6
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$68,153
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $73,060
Graduates: 219
Acceptance: 78.5%
#7
D

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$67,995
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,883
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 79.8%
#8
K

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$67,660
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.1%
#9
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$67,420
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $50,879
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 76.7%
#10
S

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$67,240
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $64,415
Graduates: 65
Acceptance: 97.2%
#11
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$64,990
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $68,002
Graduates: 47
Acceptance: 89.0%
#12
N

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$63,501
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,561
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 58.3%
#13
W

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$61,516
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.0%
#14
U

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · Public

$60,399
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $64,516
Graduates: 110
Acceptance: 84.4%
#15
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$59,519
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $58,306
Graduates: 160
Acceptance: 70.5%
#16
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$57,318
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $53,515
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 90.4%
#17
N

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$56,544
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,326
Graduates: 113
Acceptance: 70.4%
#18
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$54,748
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,729
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 67.7%
#19
G

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

$45,696
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,670
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: N/A
#20
R

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$44,928
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,779
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 94.3%
#21
L

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,836
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 72.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Computer Science in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $101,592 within two years of graduation. There are 21 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.
How much do Computer Science graduates earn in Illinois?
Computer Science graduates in Illinois earn an average of $66,656 within two years of graduation. This is 3% below the national average of $68,504 for this major.
What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in Illinois?
University of Chicago is the most selective Computer Science program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 68.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $68,193 vs $64,606 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 12 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764
All colleges in Illinois →

Computer Science in Other States

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