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Best Colleges for Computer Science in Illinois

The best colleges for a Computer Science degree in Illinois, led by University of Chicago, Northwestern University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Each school is shown with its acceptance rate, tuition, and average SAT so you can weigh Computer Science programs side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college for Computer Science in Illinois?

Based on our rankings, University of Chicago is the top-ranked college for Computer Science in Illinois. Other top choices include Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Loyola University Chicago.

What are the best Computer Science schools?

The best Computer Science schools, based on program-specific federal data including median earnings and graduate counts, are University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Our rankings use College Scorecard field-of-study data rather than editorial opinion.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science?

The average out-of-state tuition among top Computer Science programs is approximately $41,671 per year. However, costs vary significantly — many schools offer generous financial aid packages that can reduce the effective cost.

How long does it take to get a Computer Science degree?

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science typically takes four years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or combined bachelor's-to-master's options that can extend or shorten the timeline.

How are these Computer Science rankings determined?

Our major rankings are independently calculated from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study (CIP) data — primarily median earnings 4 years after graduation and program scale (graduate count), with a 10+ annual graduates minimum per program. They are not derived from US News or any other publication.

Career outcomes for Computer Science graduates

Among the top 10 ranked Computer Science programs, the average early-career salary is approximately $72,337 per year. Below are the highest-paying Computer Science programs based on federal College Scorecard earnings data reported by graduates four years after completion.

  1. 1. University of Chicago — Chicago, IL · 4.5% acceptance · SAT 1,554 · $70,662 tuition · 96% grad rate
  2. 2. Northwestern University — Evanston, IL · 7.7% acceptance · SAT 1,533 · $68,322 tuition · 95% grad rate
  3. 3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, IL · 42.4% acceptance · SAT 1,440 · $35,124 tuition · 85% grad rate
  4. 4. Loyola University Chicago — Chicago, IL · 81.6% acceptance · SAT 1,297 · $53,710 tuition · 73% grad rate
  5. 5. DePaul University — Chicago, IL · 75.9% acceptance · SAT 1,262 · $45,999 tuition · 68% grad rate
  6. 6. Western Illinois University — Macomb, IL · 71.2% acceptance · $15,264 tuition · 45% grad rate
  7. 7. Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, IL · 54.9% acceptance · SAT 1,311 · $52,386 tuition · 75% grad rate
  8. 8. Northern Illinois University — Dekalb, IL · 69.8% acceptance · $13,248 tuition · 49% grad rate
  9. 9. North Central College — Naperville, IL · 77.3% acceptance · SAT 1,213 · $45,726 tuition · 64% grad rate
  10. 10. Lewis University — Romeoville, IL · 71.3% acceptance · SAT 1,096 · $39,200 tuition · 67% grad rate
  11. 11. Northeastern Illinois University — Chicago, IL · 74.6% acceptance · $22,726 tuition · 22% grad rate
  12. 12. Augustana College — Rock Island, IL · 62.7% acceptance · SAT 1,165 · $51,598 tuition · 73% grad rate
  13. 13. Elmhurst University — Elmhurst, IL · 73.6% acceptance · SAT 1,151 · $42,955 tuition · 70% grad rate
  14. 14. Dominican University — River Forest, IL · 90.3% acceptance · SAT 1,002 · $38,978 tuition · 55% grad rate
  15. 15. Aurora University — Aurora, IL · 80.9% acceptance · SAT 1,076 · $29,170 tuition · 60% grad rate

Best Colleges for Computer Science in Illinois on PickACampus