Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Illinois 2025
Northwestern University
Elite CS program with strong connections to Chicago tech scene and 6:1 student-faculty ratio
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Top-ranked CS program nationally with excellent value at $17K in-state tuition
University of Chicago
Rigorous theoretical CS foundation with strong research opportunities and industry partnerships
- 1.Illinois has 20+ accredited computer programming bachelor's programs across state universities and private institutions
- 2.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers top-5 national CS education at $17,572 in-state tuition
- 3.Illinois software developers earn median $92,580 annually, with Chicago metro reaching $105,000+ (BLS OEWS Illinois 2024)
- 4.Chicago tech sector employs 180,000+ technology workers across 2,000+ companies including Boeing, Abbott, and McDonald's
- 5.Illinois offers strong pathways from community colleges through the Illinois Articulation Initiative transfer system
Computer Programming Education Landscape in Illinois
Illinois offers diverse computer programming education options, from the world-renowned University of Illinois system to strong regional universities and community college pathways. The state's programming programs benefit from proximity to Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem, which includes major corporations like Boeing, Abbott Labs, and McDonald's alongside a growing startup scene.
For broader program comparisons, explore our national computer programming rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable programming degrees guide. Career-focused learners can examine our software engineer salary guide for Illinois-specific compensation data and our technical interview preparation roadmap for job readiness.
Illinois also offers excellent alternative pathways through software engineering bootcamps and cloud computing certifications for students seeking faster entry into the tech workforce.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Illinois May 2024, Illinois Board of Higher Education
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class sizes and faculty accessibility
Illinois-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rates indicating academic rigor
Illinois Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Private | $62,391 | 94% | 6:1 | 96.4 |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana | Public | $17,572 | 85% | 22:1 | 95.2 |
| 3 | University of Chicago | Chicago | Private | $64,965 | 95% | 5:1 | 94.1 |
| 4 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | Private | $52,990 | 71% | 13:1 | 89.7 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago | Private | $42,450 | 70% | 15:1 | 86.3 |
| 6 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | Public | $13,927 | 62% | 18:1 | 84.8 |
| 7 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private | $38,900 | 77% | 12:1 | 83.5 |
| 8 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private | $49,500 | 82% | 14:1 | 82.1 |
| 9 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | Public | $14,608 | 56% | 14:1 | 79.2 |
| 10 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public | $12,384 | 53% | 16:1 | 77.8 |
| 11 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Public | $11,580 | 58% | 14:1 | 76.4 |
| 12 | Western Illinois University | Macomb | Public | $12,736 | 54% | 13:1 | 75.1 |
| 13 | Illinois State University | Normal | Public | $14,394 | 72% | 19:1 | 74.3 |
| 14 | Roosevelt University | Chicago | Private | $33,390 | 49% | 11:1 | 72.8 |
| 15 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst | Private | $39,550 | 68% | 14:1 | 71.5 |
| 16 | North Central College | Naperville | Private | $40,800 | 74% | 13:1 | 70.2 |
| 17 | Augustana College | Rock Island | Private | $45,141 | 76% | 11:1 | 69.8 |
| 18 | Millikin University | Decatur | Private | $37,840 | 65% | 9:1 | 68.5 |
| 19 | Lewis University | Romeoville | Private | $35,500 | 66% | 12:1 | 67.3 |
| 20 | Governors State University | University Park | Public | $12,246 | 36% | 10:1 | 65.9 |
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • Quarter system allows for intensive, focused coursework
- • Co-op and internship programs with Chicago's Fortune 500 companies
- • Strong alumni network in technology leadership positions
Program Strengths
- Strong theoretical foundation with practical application focus
- Direct pipeline to major Chicago tech companies and consulting firms
- Excellent research opportunities in AI, systems, and human-computer interaction
- 94% graduation rate with high starting salaries averaging $110,000+
Why Ranked #1
Northwestern's computer science program combines elite academic reputation with practical industry connections. The McCormick School of Engineering's CS department maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and research opportunities.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)
- • Strong startup ecosystem with successful alumni-founded companies
- • Research opportunities in machine learning, distributed systems, and cybersecurity
Program Strengths
- World-class faculty conducting cutting-edge research
- Comprehensive curriculum covering all major CS disciplines
- Strong industry partnerships with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon
- Excellent job placement rate with median starting salaries of $95,000+
Why Ranked #2
UIUC offers one of the nation's top computer science programs at exceptional value for in-state students. The program consistently ranks in the top 5 nationally for CS while maintaining affordable public university tuition.
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • Quarter system enables deep exploration of specialized topics
- • Research opportunities in computational biology, machine learning theory
- • Strong placement in quantitative finance and consulting
Program Strengths
- Exceptional theoretical computer science foundation
- Small class sizes with 5:1 student-faculty ratio
- Strong connections to Chicago's financial technology sector
- 95% graduation rate with graduates entering top graduate programs or tech companies
Why Ranked #3
UChicago's computer science program emphasizes theoretical rigor and mathematical foundations while providing strong industry preparation. The program benefits from the university's overall academic prestige and research focus.
Illinois University Systems and Programming Pathways
Illinois offers programming education through multiple university systems, each serving different student populations and career goals. The University of Illinois system provides research-intensive education with strong industry connections, while regional universities offer more personalized attention and practical skills focus.
The University of Illinois System includes three campuses offering computer science and programming degrees: Urbana-Champaign (flagship research university), Chicago (urban research university), and Springfield (smaller campus with undergraduate focus). Each campus provides different strengths, from UIUC's world-class CS research to UIC's industry partnerships in Chicago.
Private universities in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, offer smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Northwestern University and University of Chicago provide elite education with strong alumni networks, while schools like DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology offer more affordable private options with strong industry connections.
For students seeking alternative pathways, Illinois community colleges participate in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), providing guaranteed transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students can also explore software engineering bootcamps in Chicago or pursue cloud computing certifications for faster workforce entry.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications for various industries including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing
Web Developer
Create and maintain websites and web applications for businesses, government agencies, and organizations
Database Developer
Design and implement database systems to store and organize data for applications and business operations
Systems Analyst
Analyze computer systems and procedures to improve organizational efficiency and technology solutions
Bridge development and operations teams to improve software deployment and infrastructure management
Mobile App Developer
Develop applications for mobile devices and platforms including iOS and Android systems
Computer Programming Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $14,200 | $28,400 | $47,500 |
| Average Class Size | 18-25 students | 18-25 students | 12-18 students |
| Research Opportunities | High (UIUC) | High (UIUC) | Very High |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Very Strong |
| Financial Aid Availability | Good | Limited | Excellent |
| Post-Graduation Placement | 85-90% | 85-90% | 90-95% |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to top-tier CS education at UIUC with affordable in-state tuition
- Proximity to Chicago's growing tech ecosystem and job opportunities
- Strong university systems with good transfer pathways from community colleges
- Reasonable cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Opportunities in diverse industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing technology
- Larger tech ecosystems like Silicon Valley or Seattle
- More startup opportunities and venture capital access
- Warmer climate year-round
- Higher concentration of tech companies and networking events
- Access to specialized tech bootcamps and accelerators
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Programming Programs
Related Programming Resources and Guides
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing enrollment, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics for all accredited postsecondary institutions
Official employment and wage statistics for computer occupations in Illinois, updated annually
State agency data on higher education programs, enrollment trends, and workforce outcomes
Graduate placement data and research funding information for computer science and engineering programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.