2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools in Illinois

1

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL

For return on investment in general engineering, no school beat City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College this year. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $33,073. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.

2

Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL

Lewis And Clark Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $41,313. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt.

3

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Dupage earned it the #3 place for general engineering. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $12,750. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. That is a strong return on a $10,963 median debt.

5

Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL

A rank of #5 makes Elgin Community College one of the best values for general engineering. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,252, with out-of-state students paying around $9,516. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $7,727. General Engineering graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.

6

College Of Lake County
Grayslake, IL

College Of Lake County placed #6 among the best values for general engineering. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Students borrow a median of $9,785 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL

Rock Valley College landed the #7 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the city of Rockford, Rock Valley College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, while out-of-state students pay about $7,379. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,236 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $41,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

Mchenry County College earned the #8 position for value in general engineering this year. Located in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,162, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $7,440 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Mchenry County College earn a median of $24,177 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL

Illinois Central College came in at #9 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the suburb of East Peoria, Illinois Central College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800, compared with $12,150 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $12,222. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Illinois Central College generally make around $53,190. That is a strong return on a $12,222 median debt.

10

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #10 spot for general engineering value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

11

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

12

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #12 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $66,394. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants.