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University of Chicago
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
UChicago Architecture: Rafael Viñoly on the Center for Care and Discovery$67,446
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad rate
95.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a top-5 national CS program with a 90% graduation rate and $14,768/yr in-state tuition
Holds both CAE-CDE and CAE-R designations; its Siebel School of Computing is a primary recruiting pipeline for Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce
Illinois CS graduates earn a $113,200 median salary, fueled by Chicago's deep bench of tech employers
Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, Grubhub, and Sprout Social all maintain Chicago offices with active CS hiring
50 accredited CS programs statewide, including 21 master's and 8 doctoral programs, one of the deepest graduate markets in the Midwest
Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Illinois Institute of Technology round out the elite tier, each with 86%+ graduation rates
Southwestern Illinois College offers the most affordable associate's pathway at $6,120/yr, with transfer routes to state universities
In-state tuition at public four-year schools averages under $12,000/yr, making the public route highly cost-effective
16 online CS programs available, including UIUC's online bachelor's, one of the few elite programs offering a fully online option
Northern Illinois University and Governors State University provide more affordable online alternatives at under $10,000/yr
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Illinois Computer Science programs
We rank 78 accredited computer science programs in Illinois using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology$113,200
Are Computer Science Degree Programs in Illinois Worth It?
Yes. The best computer science degree programs in Illinois deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $113,200 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $30,199/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Illinois
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Illinois by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Illinois
38
Programs ranked
$32,614
Avg tuition/yr
61%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Illinois ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 47 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 12 public and 35 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Illinois Urbana-Cham..., Northwestern, U of Illinois Chicago, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Illinois computer science programs earn a median salary of $96,220, 2% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Chicago, Naperville, Champaign metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Salesforce, Google, Groupon.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,872 to $64,887 annually, with an average of $30,431/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 84%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Illinois's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Illinois, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$67,158
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad rate
95.2
Hakia Score
🥉
$14,975
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
94.1
Hakia Score
#4
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
$50,636
Tuition/yr
75%
Grad rate
86.9
Hakia Score
Show all 38 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington, IL | Private nonprofit | $57,500 | 75% | 82.4 |
| #7 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL | Private nonprofit | $41,210 | 76% | 80.4 |
| #8 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | Public | $12,789 | 62% | 80.3 |
| #9 | Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | Private nonprofit | $45,420 | 85% | 79.0 |
| #10 | Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | Private nonprofit | $51,438 | 73% | 78.5 |
| #11 | Knox College | Galesburg, IL | Private nonprofit | $57,075 | 68% | 78.0 |
| #12 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $44,601 | 68% | 77.1 |
| #13 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private nonprofit | $38,800 | 67% | 76.8 |
| #14 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | Public | $10,232 | 49% | 76.3 |
| #15 | University of St Francis | Joliet, IL | Private nonprofit | $38,110 | 67% | 74.9 |
| #16 | Principia College | Elsah, IL | Private nonprofit | $33,600 | 74% | 74.0 |
| #17 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,215 | 65% | 73.9 |
| #18 | North Central College | Naperville, IL | Private nonprofit | $45,446 | 64% | 73.9 |
| #19 | Governors State University | University Park, IL | Public | $8,232 | 22% | 73.7 |
| #20 | Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | Private nonprofit | $37,910 | 61% | 73.4 |
| #21 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | Public | $9,638 | 62% | 70.7 |
| #22 | Aurora University | Aurora, IL | Private nonprofit | $28,800 | 60% | 70.2 |
| #23 | McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | Private nonprofit | $33,310 | 53% | 70.2 |
| #24 | Chicago State University | Chicago, IL | Public | $8,040 | 15% | 69.7 |
| #25 | Saint Xavier University | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $37,755 | 57% | 69.5 |
| #26 | Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago, IL | Public | $10,343 | 22% | 69.0 |
| #27 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | Public | $9,848 | 47% | 68.9 |
| #28 | Millikin University | Decatur, IL | Private nonprofit | $26,000 | 55% | 68.3 |
| #29 | Quincy University | Quincy, IL | Private nonprofit | $37,140 | 45% | 68.3 |
| #30 | University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield, IL | Public | $9,950 | 53% | 67.8 |
| #31 | Illinois College | Jacksonville, IL | Private nonprofit | $37,976 | 64% | 67.7 |
| #32 | Trinity Christian College | Palos Heights, IL | Private nonprofit | $19,980 | 58% | 67.7 |
| #33 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | Public | $8,918 | 57% | 67.4 |
| #34 | Monmouth College | Monmouth, IL | Private nonprofit | $44,672 | 65% | 64.8 |
| #35 | Dominican University | River Forest, IL | Private nonprofit | $38,328 | 55% | 63.3 |
| #36 | Benedictine University | Lisle, IL | Private nonprofit | $31,126 | 50% | 61.0 |
| #37 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $21,000 | 35% | 59.1 |
| #38 | Rockford University | Rockford, IL | Private nonprofit | $37,230 | 47% | 57.6 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Illinois
17
Programs ranked
$26,048
Avg tuition/yr
59%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Illinois offers 21 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Illinois Urbana-Cham..., Northwestern, Lewis, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Illinois earn a median salary of $113,200, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Chicago, Naperville, Champaign creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Salesforce, Google, Groupon actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $26,278/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Illinois's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of Chicago
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
UChicago Architecture: Rafael Viñoly on the Center for Care and Discovery$67,446
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad rate
93.8
Hakia Score
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$67,158
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad rate
93.4
Hakia Score
🥉
$14,975
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
91.1
Hakia Score
#4
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
Keating Sports Center Lighting System Ribbon Cutting$50,636
Tuition/yr
75%
Grad rate
82.5
Hakia Score
Show all 17 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL | Private nonprofit | $41,210 | 76% | 75.5 |
| #7 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $52,230 | 73% | 75.1 |
| #8 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private nonprofit | $38,800 | 67% | 73.4 |
| #9 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | Public | $10,232 | 49% | 72.2 |
| #10 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,215 | 65% | 71.4 |
| #11 | Governors State University | University Park, IL | Public | $8,232 | 22% | 70.9 |
| #12 | Chicago State University | Chicago, IL | Public | $8,040 | 15% | 69.7 |
| #13 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | Public | $9,638 | 62% | 67.5 |
| #14 | University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield, IL | Public | $9,950 | 53% | 65.5 |
| #15 | Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago, IL | Public | $10,343 | 22% | 64.6 |
| #16 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | Public | $8,918 | 57% | 62.8 |
| #17 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $21,000 | 35% | 54.5 |
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Illinois
9
Programs ranked
$34,684
Avg tuition/yr
74%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Illinois is home to 8 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Illinois Urbana-Cham..., U of Chicago, Northwestern are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Illinois PhD holders earning a median of $141,500, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Chicago, Naperville, Champaign region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Salesforce, Google, Groupon.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Illinois programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Illinois, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILPublic
$14,975
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
85.4
Hakia Score
#4
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
$50,636
Tuition/yr
75%
Grad rate
72.3
Hakia Score
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | $44,601 | 68% | 65.9 |
| #7 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | Public | $10,232 | 49% | 62.5 |
| #8 | Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private nonprofit | — | — | 59.6 |
| #9 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | Public | $9,638 | 62% | 59.4 |
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Illinois
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $30,199/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $75,498/year |
| Community college tuition | $7,550/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $181,196 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $45,298 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid for Illinois CS Students
Verdict: Illinois's financial aid system is need-heavy with strong large-state-flagship programs. The MAP Grant covers up to ~$8,400/year for in-state residents with financial need at Illinois institutions, one of the more generous state need-based grants in the country. Combined with UIUC's Illinois Commitment program (free tuition for Illinois families under $75,000 income), in-state CS students at UIUC with demonstrated need can attend one of the top US public CS programs at near-zero net cost.
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant is Illinois's signature need-based program, up to ~$8,400/year for full-time enrollment at Illinois public 2-year, public 4-year, and approved private institutions. Award amounts are funded through annual legislative appropriations and have been competitive enough to support full tuition coverage when combined with other aid at most Illinois public colleges.
Illinois Commitment is UIUC-specific but worth specifically calling out, Illinois residents with family income up to $75,000 receive free tuition and fees at UIUC. Combined with federal Pell coverage for room/board, this produces zero-loan UIUC CS for qualified low-to-middle-income Illinois families. UIUC's CS program is one of the top 6-8 US public CS programs, making this one of the strongest financial value propositions in US CS education.
AIM HIGH is a merit-need hybrid program for in-state students at Illinois public 4-year universities, provides additional financial support for students with demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. MAP Plus stacks on top for additional need beyond standard MAP coverage. For Illinois private institutions (Northwestern, UChicago, IIT, Loyola), state aid is meaningful but the larger lever is institutional aid, Northwestern's no-loan financial aid policy and University of Chicago's No Barriers initiative extend substantial aid to admitted in-state and out-of-state students alike.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Illinois
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Illinois. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$123,810
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,518,900
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Chicago, IL)$130,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.5%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Illinois metro areas
Chicago$125K
Naperville$119K
Champaign$113K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $125K |
| Naperville | $119K |
| Champaign | $113K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Illinois
Find computer science jobs in Illinois. These major employers across Illinois metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Chicago
ILChicago is a fintech and trading technology hub. CME Group and numerous trading firms drive demand for tech talent.
Nearby cities: Evanston, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, Skokie
Google
Big Tech
Salesforce
Enterprise CRM
Microsoft
Big Tech
Groupon
E-commerce
Grubhub
Food Delivery
Sprout Social
Social Media SaaS
CME Group
Financial Services/Fintech
Morningstar
Financial Data/Fintech
Motorola Solutions
Communications Technology
Allstate
Insurance Technology
Relativity
Legal Tech
Avant
Fintech
Illinois Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Illinois — and specifically the Chicago metro — is the largest US Midwest tech hub and uniquely combines financial-services tech (CBOE, CME Group, Citadel before its move, Morningstar) with a deep enterprise/IT employer base (Caterpillar, Boeing, Walgreens, McDonald's IT). The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign CS program is one of the largest CS-graduate producers in the country.
Chicago
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Trading and financial-services tech hub (CBOE, CME Group, Citadel Securities, Jump Trading), plus major Chicago offices for Google, Meta, Salesforce. Northwestern, UChicago, and UIUC alumni concentrate here.
Urbana-Champaign
Champaign metro
UIUC research and startup spinout hub. UIUC's CS program produces one of the largest US bachelor's CS graduate cohorts; Research Park hosts engineering offices for John Deere, Yahoo, ADM, and others.
Illinois has a flat-rate state income tax. The state offers EDGE tax credits for qualifying tech-employer investments.
Illinois Regulation Affecting Computer Science Graduates
Illinois has the most stringent biometric-privacy law in the United States. For ML, AI, and identity-verification engineers, Illinois BIPA is a foundational compliance constraint that has reshaped product design at major US tech employers.
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
Strictest US biometric privacy law. Requires written consent before collecting, storing, or using biometric identifiers (fingerprints, facial geometry, voiceprints). Provides a private right of action — including statutory damages of $1,000-$5,000 per violation.
Critical for any engineer building face-recognition, fingerprint, voice-print, or similar biometric features. BIPA litigation has produced settlements in the hundreds of millions (Facebook: $650M, TikTok: $92M). Most major US tech companies have modified product behavior specifically to avoid BIPA exposure.
Read moreIllinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
Requires reasonable security measures for personal information and sets data-breach notification requirements.
Standard data-protection compliance for any IL-resident-serving business.
Read moreIllinois Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act
Employers using AI to analyze video interviews must notify candidates, obtain consent, explain how the AI works, and limit data sharing.
AI/ML engineers building hiring-tech serving Illinois employers must implement consent flows and AI-explanation interfaces.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Illinois
Illinois does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. Standard engineering PE disciplines (mechanical, electrical) require ABET-EAC accreditation; software engineering specifically is not a Illinois-recognized PE discipline.
Illinois licensing boardIllinois Financial Aid Programs
Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant
State grantUp to ~$8,400/yr
Illinois residents with financial need at IL institutions
AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program
Merit-need hybridUp to in-state tuition coverage
Illinois residents with academic merit and financial need at IL public universities
Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship
State scholarshipUp to $7,500/yr
Minority IL residents pursuing teaching credentials; CS/tech education tracks eligible
Transfer Pathways for Illinois CS Students
Verdict: Illinois's Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is one of the more developed US state transfer systems. The iTransfer system explicitly maps community-college coursework to 4-year university equivalents across participating Illinois institutions, meaningfully reducing the credit-loss friction that plagues transfer students in less-articulated states. For CS specifically, the path from a strong Illinois community college through to UIUC is well-defined though competitive.
The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) covers general education and major-specific courses. For CS prerequisites, IAI-approved courses (M1900 calculus sequence, IAI Engineering Pathway courses, programming sequences) transfer cleanly across participating Illinois colleges. The iTransfer database is the official lookup for verifying course articulation before enrolling.
Best Illinois CS transfer-pipeline community colleges: Harper College (Palatine, strong UIUC transfer record), Oakton Community College (Skokie/Des Plaines), College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn), Triton College (River Grove), Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills), and Parkland College (Champaign, geographically adjacent to UIUC, makes the transfer pathway operationally easier). Each has refined CS prerequisite sequences and well-established UIUC counseling programs.
UIUC CS transfer competitiveness: UIUC's CS program (one of the largest CS bachelor's producers in the US) is genuinely competitive for transfer admission, with transfer admit rates that vary significantly by year but generally run 20-35% for qualified applicants. The realistic pathway: complete the IAI Engineering Pathway at a strong Illinois community college with 3.7+ GPA, demonstrate CS-track readiness through additional CS coursework (data structures, computer organization), apply at end of sophomore year. UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) and the other UIUC system schools (Springfield, Chicago Pier) have more open transfer admission and strong CS programs in their own right.
6,000+ Tech Companies
Illinois's Tech Ecosystem
Illinois is home to 6,000+ technology companies. Computer Science graduates compete in a deep job market across Chicago, Naperville, Champaign.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, CompTIA State of Tech Workforce 2025, Glassdoor
Illinois CS Job Market & Salary
Verdict: Illinois's CS job market is uniquely structured around two large but distinct subsectors: Chicago's quantitative finance and trading market (one of the strongest US US quant clusters outside NYC) and Chicago's enterprise IT base (the highest concentration of Fortune-500-headquartered enterprise tech jobs of any US Midwest city). Chicago tech salaries are below NYC and Bay Area in nominal terms but the cost-of-living gap is substantial enough that take-home purchasing power is roughly equivalent, and substantially higher for quant-track roles.
By metro: Chicago averages ~$130,000-$165,000 for software engineer roles per Levels.fyi, with quant developer roles at Citadel Securities (despite Miami HQ relocation, Chicago operations remain substantial), Jump Trading, CME Group, CBOE Global Markets, Belvedere Trading, and similar firms commonly paying $250,000-$450,000 total compensation for new graduates with strong CS + math backgrounds. Enterprise tech employers (Caterpillar IT, Boeing, Walgreens, McDonald's IT, Northern Trust, BMO Harris, John Deere tech) cluster across the Chicago metro and provide a stable, often-overlooked hiring base.
Champaign-Urbana is the unusual case: a small metro built around UIUC, with the UIUC Research Park hosting engineering offices for John Deere, Yahoo, ADM, Caterpillar, AbbVie, State Farm tech, and various startup spinouts. Salaries are lower than Chicago in nominal terms but cost of living is dramatically lower, for UIUC CS graduates who prefer staying in the Champaign area, the compensation-to-cost ratio is unusually strong.
2026 sector picture for Illinois CS graduates: Chicago's trading firms continued aggressive hiring through 2024-2025 despite broader tech-sector slowdowns, quant firms operate on different macro cycles than consumer tech and are largely insulated from Big Tech layoffs. UIUC's CS program continues to feed substantial pipelines to FAANG (Google specifically recruits heavily at UIUC), Bay Area startups, and the Chicago quant cluster. Illinois's Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) creates ongoing demand for privacy-engineering work at Chicago-based consumer-tech firms, engineers with privacy-compliance experience command meaningful premiums. See Software Engineer Career Guide, AI/ML Engineer Career Guide, and our BIPA-influenced Cybersecurity programs coverage.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Illinois$73,580$164,140
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Illinois
Online Programs
16 available in Illinois
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$27,179/yr$30,199/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Indiana
- Total Programs
- 46
- Median Tuition
- $10,200
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Kentucky
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 50
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $34,200
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Computer Science Degree Programs in Illinois: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Illinois?
The best computer science degree programs in Illinois based on our methodology are: 1) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (90% graduation rate), 2) Northwestern University, and 3) University of Illinois Chicago. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Illinois offers 50 total accredited programs across 13 public and 37 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 47 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Illinois?
Computer Science degree program costs in Illinois vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $30,199/year, while private institutions average $66,438/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $7,550/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $120,796 at public schools to $265,751 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Illinois?
Computer Science professionals in Illinois earn a median salary of $113,200, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $73,580, while senior roles exceed $164,140. Salaries vary by metro area: Chicago ($124,520), Naperville ($118,860) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer science degree programs in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois offers 16 accredited online Computer Science programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and DePaul University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Illinois?
Major Computer Science employers in Illinois include Salesforce, Google, Groupon, Grubhub, Motorola. The Chicago and Naperville metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Illinois universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Illinois's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Illinois?
A computer science degree program in Illinois offers strong ROI with a $113,200 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $30,199/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($127,916), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer science degree programs take in Illinois?
Standard completion times for computer science degree programs in Illinois are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Illinois community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Illinois university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer science degree students in Illinois?
Illinois computer science degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Illinois state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Illinois's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Illinois salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.