2026 Best Value General Industrial Engineering Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Chicago the best value for a degree in general industrial engineering in Illinois. 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. Students borrow a median of $22,247 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $57,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Students looking for strong value in general industrial engineering will find it at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #2. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $72,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Students looking for strong value in general industrial engineering will find it at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. General Industrial Engineering graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $73,092 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general industrial engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,330 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. Early-career general industrial engineering graduates make about $78,313. That is a strong return on a $22,330 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Students looking for strong value in general industrial engineering will find it at Bradley University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. General Industrial Engineering graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $68,166 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

6

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general industrial engineering schools. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $17,912 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $89,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%.