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2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mechanical engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools
University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #1 spot for value among mechanical engineering schools in Illinois. 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 mechanical engineering graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $69,871. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Western Illinois University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $47,926. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $82,161 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $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 came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,110. Soon after graduation, 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 placed #6 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $69,454. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #7 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $74,291 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.
North Central College placed #8 among the best values for mechanical engineering. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of North Central College earn a median of $46,247 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Bradley University came in at #9 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, 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 earned the #10 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $15,334 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $79,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.
[Mechanical Engineering](/majors/engineering/me-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.
