Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 8 colleges offering Mechanical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 903 recent graduates. Graduates earn $65,363 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $64,630.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $73,112 while Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates earn $59,534 — a $13,578 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$65,363

IL Avg. Earnings

$64,630

National Avg.

297

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Mechanical Engineering in Illinois

Public Schools (5)

$64,380

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$67,000

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $2,620 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$73,112

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $70,936

Graduates: 62

Acceptance: 7.1%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$71,144

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $68,804

Graduates: 136

Acceptance: 43.7%

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$66,621

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $66,802

Graduates: 104

Acceptance: 76.7%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$64,150

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,752

Graduates: 164

Acceptance: 70.5%

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$64,068

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,097

Graduates: 70

Acceptance: 90.4%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$63,005

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,931

Graduates: 195

Acceptance: 78.5%

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$61,268

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,252

Graduates: 76

Acceptance: 55.4%

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$59,534

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,153

Graduates: 96

Acceptance: 97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Mechanical Engineering in Illinois?

Northwestern University ranks #1 for Mechanical Engineering in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $73,112 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Mechanical Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates earn in Illinois?

Mechanical Engineering graduates in Illinois earn an average of $65,363 within two years of graduation. This is 1% above the national average of $64,630 for this major.

What is the hardest Mechanical Engineering school to get into in Illinois?

Northwestern University is the most selective Mechanical Engineering program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Mechanical Engineering programs in the state is 64.9%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Mechanical Engineering in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Mechanical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $67,000 vs $64,380 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 3 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 Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

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