Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Illinois 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
World-renowned CS program consistently ranked in top 5 nationally. Birthplace of the web browser with exceptional research in AI, systems, and theory
Northwestern University
Elite private program with strong industry connections in Chicago. Excellent for students seeking interdisciplinary approaches combining CS with business or design
University of Illinois Chicago
Strong urban program with direct access to Chicago's tech scene. Excellent value with growing research profile in AI and cybersecurity
- 1.Illinois has 35+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across major universities and colleges
- 2.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 in Illinois and top 5 nationally for computer science education
- 3.Illinois software developers earn median $110,850 annually—slightly above the national median of $107,510
- 4.Chicago tech sector employs 250,000+ technology workers across fintech, healthcare tech, and logistics
- 5.In-state tuition at public universities averages $16,334, offering excellent value compared to private alternatives
Computer Science Education Landscape in Illinois
Illinois offers a robust computer science education ecosystem anchored by the University of Illinois system and complemented by prestigious private institutions. The state's proximity to Chicago's thriving tech sector provides students with exceptional internship and career opportunities in fintech, healthcare technology, and emerging fields like quantum computing.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands as the crown jewel, consistently ranking among the top 5 CS programs nationally. For students considering national options, our best computer science bachelor's programs guide provides comprehensive comparisons. Those interested in career outcomes should explore our software engineer salary guide for Illinois-specific compensation data.
Illinois also offers strong pathways for various tech specializations. Students interested in artificial intelligence can explore AI programs in Illinois, while those focused on data can review data science programs in Illinois. For cybersecurity-focused students, cybersecurity programs in Illinois provide comprehensive options.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Illinois May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility
Illinois-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Illinois Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana-Champaign | Public | $17,572 | 85% | 20:1 | 95.8 |
| 2 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Private | $63,983 | 94% | 6:1 | 91.2 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | Public | $15,096 | 69% | 18:1 | 84.6 |
| 4 | University of Chicago | Chicago | Private | $64,965 | 95% | 5:1 | 83.9 |
| 5 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | Private | $54,720 | 71% | 11:1 | 82.1 |
| 6 | DePaul University | Chicago | Private | $43,665 | 71% | 15:1 | 78.4 |
| 7 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private | $52,544 | 73% | 14:1 | 76.8 |
| 8 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public | $12,559 | 54% | 16:1 | 75.2 |
| 9 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | Public | $14,364 | 47% | 14:1 | 73.6 |
| 10 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Public | $12,240 | 55% | 14:1 | 72.9 |
| 11 | Western Illinois University | Macomb | Public | $11,346 | 52% | 13:1 | 71.5 |
| 12 | Illinois State University | Normal | Public | $15,196 | 73% | 18:1 | 71.2 |
| 13 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private | $38,490 | 77% | 11:1 | 70.8 |
| 14 | Wheaton College | Wheaton | Private | $41,290 | 88% | 11:1 | 70.1 |
| 15 | Lewis University | Romeoville | Private | $35,500 | 69% | 13:1 | 68.9 |
| 16 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst | Private | $39,150 | 75% | 14:1 | 68.3 |
| 17 | Augustana College | Rock Island | Private | $46,596 | 78% | 11:1 | 67.7 |
| 18 | Governors State University | University Park | Public | $12,436 | 46% | 12:1 | 66.8 |
| 19 | Chicago State University | Chicago | Public | $11,520 | 23% | 10:1 | 64.2 |
| 20 | Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago | Public | $13,068 | 32% | 14:1 | 63.5 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to the birthplace of the Mosaic web browser
- • Faculty includes Turing Award winners and National Academy members
- • Graduates work at Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, and top startups
- • Strong placement in PhD programs at elite universities
Program Strengths
- World-class research in AI, machine learning, and computer systems
- Strong industry partnerships with tech giants and Fortune 500 companies
- Exceptional alumni network including founders of major tech companies
- State-of-the-art facilities including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications
- Highly competitive admission with rigorous academic standards
Why Ranked #1
UIUC's computer science program consistently ranks among the top 5 nationally, with a legendary faculty that pioneered key computing innovations including the web browser, supercomputing architectures, and foundational AI research.
Student Reviews
"The research opportunities here are unmatched. I worked on cutting-edge AI projects as an undergraduate that directly led to my job at a major tech company."
— Recent UIUC CS Graduate
"The alumni network is incredible. UIUC CS graduates are everywhere in tech, and they're always willing to help current students."
— Current Senior
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate—highest among Illinois CS programs
- • Strong connections to Chicago's fintech and consulting industries
- • Quarter system allows for multiple internship opportunities
- • Proximity to downtown Chicago for internships and networking
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes with 6:1 student-faculty ratio
- Strong emphasis on human-computer interaction and design
- Excellent internship and co-op opportunities in Chicago
- Interdisciplinary programs combining CS with business, journalism, and design
- High graduate school placement rate
Why Ranked #2
Northwestern combines elite computer science education with strong liberal arts foundation and exceptional proximity to Chicago's business and tech communities, making it ideal for students seeking interdisciplinary opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The small classes mean you really get to know your professors. I had research opportunities from freshman year that wouldn't be possible at larger schools."
— Northwestern CS Junior
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois • University
Program Highlights
- • Direct access to Chicago's 250,000+ tech jobs
- • Strong placement at major Chicago employers like Boeing, Abbott, and Motorola
- • Rapidly improving research rankings and faculty recruitment
- • Excellent value with in-state tuition under $16,000
Program Strengths
- Located in the heart of Chicago's tech scene
- Strong industry partnerships with local tech companies
- Diverse student body with excellent support services
- Growing research profile in AI, cybersecurity, and data science
- Affordable tuition with excellent return on investment
Why Ranked #3
UIC offers an excellent value proposition with strong CS education at public school tuition, plus the unique advantage of being located directly in Chicago's tech hub with extensive internship and networking opportunities.
Student Reviews
"Being in Chicago is a huge advantage. I interned at three different companies during my degree and had a job offer before graduation."
— UIC CS Graduate
Illinois University Systems and CS Program Options
Illinois offers computer science education through several distinct university systems, each with unique strengths and target student populations.
The University of Illinois System anchors the state's public CS education with three campuses offering different experiences. UIUC provides world-class research opportunities and top-tier faculty, while UIC offers urban accessibility and strong industry connections. The University of Illinois Springfield focuses on smaller class sizes and personalized attention.
Illinois's private institutions provide alternative pathways with smaller class sizes and different educational philosophies. Northwestern University combines elite CS education with interdisciplinary opportunities, while schools like Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University offer practical, career-focused programs with strong industry ties.
The state's regional public universities including Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Illinois State provide affordable options with solid CS fundamentals, particularly valuable for students planning to work in Illinois or the Midwest. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and more personalized faculty interaction than flagship universities.
For students considering other tech specializations, Illinois offers comprehensive options including software engineering programs and information technology programs across the state university system.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and build applications, websites, and systems for Illinois's diverse tech sector including fintech, healthcare tech, and manufacturing technology
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets for Illinois companies in finance, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture using machine learning and statistical methods
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect Illinois organizations from cyber threats, particularly important for the state's financial services and healthcare sectors
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems for Illinois companies in manufacturing, logistics, and emerging quantum computing
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage infrastructure and deployment pipelines for Illinois tech companies, particularly strong demand in Chicago's fintech sector
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $14,800 | $48,500 | Public |
| Average Class Size | 25-40 students | 15-25 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive at UIUC | Limited but accessible | Public |
| Industry Connections | Strong alumni networks | Closer faculty relationships | Tie |
| Financial Aid | Merit and need-based | Generous institutional aid | Tie |
| Location Flexibility | Multiple campus options | Concentrated in Chicago area | Public |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class CS education at UIUC without California costs
- Strong job market in Chicago with lower cost of living than coastal cities
- Excellent value from public universities with solid industry connections
- Opportunities in fintech, healthcare tech, and manufacturing technology
- Midwest work culture with strong work-life balance
- Silicon Valley proximity and highest tech salaries (California)
- Largest number of tech startups and venture capital (California/New York)
- No state income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington)
- Biggest tech company headquarters (Washington, California)
- Warmer weather year-round (California, Florida, Texas)
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois CS Programs
Next Steps for Prospective Illinois CS Students
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for target schools, especially prerequisite courses and standardized test scores for competitive programs like UIUC
Visit Campuses
Schedule campus visits to compare urban (UIC, Northwestern) vs. college town (UIUC) experiences and evaluate program facilities
Build Technical Portfolio
Develop programming skills and create projects to demonstrate passion for CS, particularly important for competitive programs
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA early and research Illinois-specific scholarships like the Monetary Award Program (MAP) for public university students
Connect with Alumni
Reach out to current students and alumni through LinkedIn or school networks to learn about program experiences and career outcomes
Related Resources and Programs
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
Illinois-specific salary data for computer and mathematical occupations
State employment projections and industry analysis for technology occupations
Detailed institutional data including student-faculty ratios and selectivity metrics
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.