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2026 Best Value General Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general mechanical engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Mechanical Engineering Schools
University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #1 spot for value among general mechanical engineering schools in Illinois. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $69,871 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values for general mechanical engineering. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical student debt for general mechanical engineering graduates is $27,639. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $47,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
A rank of #3 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values for general mechanical engineering. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $82,161. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Students looking for strong value in general mechanical engineering will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #4. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $92,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general mechanical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $66,546. That is a strong return on a $23,110 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #6 spot for general mechanical engineering value this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $69,454. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for general mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $74,291. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
North Central College earned the #8 position for value in general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Naperville, North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. Students borrow a median of $25,699 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $46,247. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. North Central College admits about 77% of applicants.
Bradley University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general mechanical engineering schools. Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Peoria. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $71,746. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.
Northwestern University came in at #10 for value in general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $15,334 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $79,616. That is a strong return on a $15,334 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.
[General Mechanical Engineering](/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
