2026 Best Value Industrial Engineering Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago tops our 2026 list of the best value industrial engineering schools in Illinois. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,247 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Early-career industrial engineering graduates make about $57,281. That is a strong return on a $22,247 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #2 place for industrial engineering. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Early-career industrial engineering graduates make about $72,112. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

3

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #3 place for industrial engineering. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for industrial engineering graduates is $23,917. Soon after graduation, industrial engineering degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $73,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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 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. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,330 in student loans. Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $78,313 early in their careers. Set against $22,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Students looking for strong value in industrial engineering will find it at Bradley University, which ranked #5. Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Peoria. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Industrial Engineering graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $68,166 early in their careers. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University earned the #6 position for value in industrial engineering this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for industrial engineering graduates is $17,912. Early-career industrial engineering graduates make about $89,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.