2026 Best Value Computer Engineering Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

For return on investment in computer engineering, no school beat University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Computer Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $103,123 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Computer Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $71,148 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

3

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer engineering schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Early-career computer engineering graduates make about $81,252. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

4

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

A rank of #4 makes Bradley University one of the best values for computer engineering. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Students borrow a median of $26,380 to complete the computer engineering program here. Early-career computer engineering graduates make about $54,513. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.

5

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Students looking for strong value in computer engineering will find it at Northwestern University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical student debt for computer engineering graduates is $16,616. Early-career computer engineering graduates make about $78,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

6

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University earned the #6 position for value in computer engineering this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the computer engineering program here. Soon after graduation, computer engineering degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $121,173. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

7

Devry University Illinois
Lisle, IL

Devry University Illinois came in at #7 for value in computer engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Lisle, Devry University Illinois is a very large private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. Typical student debt for computer engineering graduates is $43,684. Soon after graduation, computer engineering degree recipients from Devry University Illinois generally make around $55,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Devry University Illinois admits about 98% of applicants.

8

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago placed #8 among the best values for computer engineering. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical student debt for computer engineering graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, computer engineering degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $68,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.