2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

For return on investment in chemical engineering, no school beat University Of Illinois At Chicago this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemical engineering graduates is $23,875. Early-career chemical engineering graduates make about $58,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value chemical engineering schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Chemical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,850 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $77,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the chemical engineering program here. Chemical Engineering graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

4

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in chemical engineering will find it at Illinois Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Chemical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,747 in student loans. Early-career chemical engineering graduates make about $64,526. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

5

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value chemical engineering schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the chemical engineering program here. Chemical Engineering graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $80,709 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.