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2026 Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Technology Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the manufacturing engineering technology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Technology Schools
Lake Land College earned the #1 spot for value among manufacturing engineering technology schools in Illinois. Located in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,415 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. Early-career manufacturing engineering technology graduates make about $30,294. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in manufacturing engineering technology will find it at Kankakee Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,289 to complete the manufacturing engineering technology program here. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates of Kankakee Community College earn a median of $60,509 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,289 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Joliet Junior College one of the best values for manufacturing engineering technology. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,530 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Typical student debt for manufacturing engineering technology graduates is $11,995. Soon after graduation, manufacturing engineering technology degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Harper College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value manufacturing engineering technology schools. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,963 to complete the manufacturing engineering technology program here. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Oakton Community College one of the best values for manufacturing engineering technology. Set in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,462 for out-of-state students. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, manufacturing engineering technology degree recipients from Oakton Community College generally make around $48,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
ADBLOCK #101
College Of Lake County earned the #6 position for value in manufacturing engineering technology this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. Students from in state pay about $4,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Typical student debt for manufacturing engineering technology graduates is $9,785. Soon after graduation, manufacturing engineering technology degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Western Illinois University landed the #7 spot for manufacturing engineering technology value this year. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical student debt for manufacturing engineering technology graduates is $27,639. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $47,926 early in their careers. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #8 among the best values for manufacturing engineering technology. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical student debt for manufacturing engineering technology graduates is $22,000. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $73,283 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
[Manufacturing Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/industrial-production-technology/manufacturing-engineering-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
