Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Illinois 2025
Northwestern University
88 Information Technology graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
107 Information Technology graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Illinois Chicago
121 Information Technology graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Illinois has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public universities, community colleges, and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 in Illinois with 85% graduation rate and strong industry connections
- 3.In-state tuition at public universities averages $17,000 annually—significantly lower than private alternatives
- 4.Illinois IT professionals earn median $92,340 annually, with Chicago metro area offering highest salaries at $98,750 (BLS Illinois 2024)
- 5.Major employers include Abbott, Boeing, Caterpillar, McDonald's, and growing fintech sector in Chicago
Information Technology Education in Illinois
Illinois offers a robust selection of information technology programs, from world-renowned research universities to practical, career-focused institutions. The state's strategic location and strong business presence, particularly in Chicago, create excellent internship and job opportunities for IT graduates.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students seeking affordable options should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our IT career salary guides and technical certifications that complement degree programs.
Illinois's IT education landscape benefits from proximity to major corporations and a growing tech sector. Chicago serves as a major hub for fintech, healthcare technology, and enterprise software development, providing numerous internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Illinois Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 86.5 |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 86.3 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | Public | $12,656 | 88% | — | 80.5 |
| 4 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 67.4 |
| 5 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | Private | $49,607 | 89% | — | 67 |
| 6 | Governors State University | University Park, IL | Public | $7,872 | 80% | — | 62 |
| 7 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | For-Profit | $14,392 | 23% | — | 61.7 |
| 8 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | Public | $9,638 | 87% | — | 58.3 |
| 9 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | Private | $41,258 | 82% | — | 54.7 |
| 10 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private | $50,270 | 92% | — | 53.8 |
| 11 | University of St Francis | Joliet, IL | Private | $37,000 | 96% | — | 52.3 |
| 12 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,000 | 81% | — | 51.4 |
| 13 | McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | Private | $32,660 | 84% | — | 50 |
| 14 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private | $37,592 | 99% | — | 48.9 |
| 15 | Quincy University | Quincy, IL | Private | $35,740 | 72% | — | 46.6 |
| 16 | Saint Xavier University | Chicago, IL | Private | $35,680 | 80% | — | 46 |
| 17 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL | Private | $39,248 | — | — | 44.1 |
| 18 | Dominican University | River Forest, IL | Private | $37,194 | 68% | — | 42.1 |
| 19 | Western Illinois University | Macomb, IL | Public | $9,359 | — | — | 42 |
| 20 | Benedictine University | Lisle, IL | Private | $31,028 | — | — | 37.1 |
Showing 1–20 of 21
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Illinois: Side-by-Side
| School | UIUC | Northwestern | Illinois Institute of... | U of Illinois Chicago | Northern Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,768 | $64,887 | $49,607 | $12,656 | $9,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 90% | 89% | 88% | 84% |
| Annual Graduates | 601 | 90 | 86 | 121 | 105 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% | 7% | 55% | 79% | 70% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 88.5/100 | 73.7/100 | 63.1/100 | 60.3/100 | 60.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Illinois
Illinois offers 30 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DeVry University-Illinois. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $79,240 in the Illinois market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwestern | $64,887 | 90% | 90 | 73.7 |
| #2 UIUC | $14,768 | 90% | 107 | 75.9 |
| #3 DeVry University-Illinois | $14,392 | 23% | 247 | 57.9 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Illinois
For graduate study, Illinois offers 15 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Illinois reaching $147,160 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UIUC | $14,768 | 90% | 601 | 88.5 |
| #2 Northwestern | $64,887 | 90% | 63 | 71.4 |
| #3 Illinois Institute of... | $49,607 | 89% | 86 | 63.1 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Illinois
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Illinois are at Governors State University ($7,872/year), Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville ($8,846/year), Western Illinois University ($9,359/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Illinois's competitive tech salaries.
At Governors State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $31,488 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $79,240, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Illinois (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Governors State | $7,872 | $31,488 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Southern Illinois... | $8,846 | $35,384 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Western Illinois | $9,359 | $37,436 | 0.8 years | Public |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,768 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 601 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 44%
- • Ranking Score: 88.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 601 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (601 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (44% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Sciences program is ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report and offers a unique interdisciplinary STEM-designated approach that emphasizes both technical skills and human-centered design. With 91% of graduates participating in experiential learning and 42% receiving job offers from those experiences, the program provides strong pathways to high-paying careers with an average starting salary of $75,373.
Admission Prerequisites
- •at least 3.5 years of math including trigonometry or higher for Information Sciences
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $75,373
- Job Placement: 90% secured first destination within 6 months
- Top Employers: AbbVie Inc., Amazon, Capital One, Caterpillar Inc., Deloitte, Epic Systems, EY, Google, Grainger, JPMorganChase, KPMG, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, PwC, RSM
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,887 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 90 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 90 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (90 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MSIT program offers a unique capstone course where students manage technology challenges as CTOs and make C-suite level presentations. The program provides both part-time and full-time options with weekend availability for working professionals.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 12 units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,607 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 86 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 55%
- • Ranking Score: 63.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 86 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 63.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (86 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (55% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Illinois Tech's Information Technology programs offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills with specializations in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and cloud computing. The program is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and features industry partnerships with Coursera, preparing students for strong career growth in technology fields.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 127 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 121 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 60.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 121 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (121 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,792 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 105 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 60.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 105 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (105 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks, servers, and IT infrastructure for organizations across Illinois's diverse industries.
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, install, and support computer networks for businesses, with strong demand in Chicago's financial and healthcare sectors.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational data and systems from cyber threats, with growing opportunities in Illinois's banking and healthcare industries.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1243Design and manage database systems for large corporations, with particular demand from Chicago's Fortune 500 companies.
IT Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical support and troubleshooting services, offering entry-level opportunities across various Illinois industries.
Illinois University Systems for IT Education
Illinois offers IT education through several major university systems, each with distinct advantages for prospective students.
The University of Illinois System includes three campuses offering IT programs. UIUC provides the flagship experience with top-tier research opportunities, while UIC offers urban advantages in Chicago's technology sector. Both provide excellent value for in-state students with strong career outcomes.
Illinois public universities, including Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University, offer affordable IT education with practical, career-focused curricula. These institutions typically maintain smaller class sizes and strong regional industry connections.
Private institutions like DePaul University and IIT provide alternative pathways with unique specializations. DePaul excels in industry partnerships and urban immersion, while IIT focuses on research and technical depth. Students should also explore online IT degree options for additional flexibility.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Illinois
IT Programs by State - Compare Your Options
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Chicago's growing tech sector and major corporations
- Affordable in-state tuition at respected public universities
- Strong industry connections in healthcare technology, fintech, and enterprise software
- Proximity to major employers like Abbott, Boeing, Caterpillar, and McDonald's headquarters
- Growing startup ecosystem with increasing venture capital investment
- Higher overall tech salaries (consider California or Washington)
- More extensive tech ecosystem (Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin)
- Warmer climate year-round (Texas, Florida, California)
- More venture capital funding and startup opportunities (California, New York)
- Lower cost of living outside major metropolitan areas
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois IT Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary and employment data for IT occupations
State agency data on program accreditation and institutional quality measures
Comprehensive database of college and university information
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.