Top 3 Management Information Systems Programs in Illinois 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Premier public MIS program with strong analytics focus and excellent placement in Fortune 500 companies
DePaul University
Chicago-based program with direct industry connections and practical business technology curriculum
University of Illinois Chicago
Urban campus offering affordable MIS education with strong ties to Chicago business community
- 1.Illinois has 20+ accredited management information systems bachelor's programs with strong business technology focus
- 2.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 in Illinois with 85% graduation rate and Fortune 500 recruiting
- 3.Illinois information systems managers earn median $97,430 annually - close to the national average of $101,510
- 4.Chicago's thriving business sector provides extensive internship and career opportunities for MIS graduates
- 5.Public universities offer excellent value with in-state tuition averaging $15,000 compared to $42,000+ for private schools
Management Information Systems Education in Illinois
Illinois offers diverse management information systems programs that blend business acumen with technology expertise. From the flagship University of Illinois campuses to Chicago-based institutions like DePaul, students can access programs that connect directly to the state's robust business and technology sectors.
For national program comparisons, see our comprehensive information systems degree hub. Students interested in related fields should explore our information technology programs in Illinois or review data science programs in Illinois for analytics-focused alternatives.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Illinois May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility
Illinois-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign | Public | $16,866 | 85% | 20:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | DePaul University | Chicago | Private | $42,549 | 71% | 15:1 | 89.8 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | Public | $14,958 | 62% | 18:1 | 87.5 |
| 4 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Private | $63,468 | 95% | 6:1 | 85.9 |
| 5 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago | Private | $54,720 | 73% | 13:1 | 84.2 |
| 6 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | Public | $14,608 | 56% | 17:1 | 82.1 |
| 7 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private | $50,486 | 82% | 11:1 | 81.6 |
| 8 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public | $12,950 | 53% | 16:1 | 80.3 |
| 9 | Illinois State University | Normal | Public | $15,136 | 73% | 19:1 | 79.7 |
| 10 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private | $39,970 | 79% | 12:1 | 78.4 |
| 11 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Public | $12,540 | 59% | 15:1 | 77.8 |
| 12 | Western Illinois University | Macomb | Public | $12,447 | 55% | 14:1 | 76.9 |
| 13 | Roosevelt University | Chicago | Private | $33,088 | 51% | 10:1 | 75.2 |
| 14 | Governors State University | University Park | Public | $12,846 | 39% | 12:1 | 73.5 |
| 15 | Chicago State University | Chicago | Public | $11,716 | 24% | 11:1 | 71.8 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% graduation rate - highest among Illinois public universities
- • Average starting salary of $72,000 for IS graduates
- • Direct recruiting from Caterpillar, Abbott, and Boeing
- • 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
Program Strengths
- Strong analytics and data science components
- Excellent placement rates at Fortune 500 companies
- Active alumni network in Chicago business community
- Research opportunities in business intelligence
- Partnership with Gies College of Business for dual perspectives
Why Ranked #1
UIUC's Information Systems program combines rigorous business education with cutting-edge technology training. The program's location in the Research Triangle provides students access to both academic research and industry partnerships.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • 71% graduation rate with strong job placement
- • 99% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months
- • Partnerships with Chicago Board of Trade and CME Group
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized learning
Program Strengths
- Prime location in downtown Chicago
- Strong industry partnerships with local businesses
- Practical curriculum focused on real-world applications
- Excellent internship placement program
- Small class sizes with industry-experienced faculty
Why Ranked #2
DePaul's Information Systems program leverages its Chicago location to provide students with unparalleled access to internships and career opportunities in one of the nation's major business centers.
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL • University
Program Highlights
- • $14,958 in-state tuition - exceptional value for urban education
- • Growing alumni network in Chicago area
- • Partnership with Chicago technology companies
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio
Program Strengths
- Affordable public education in major metropolitan area
- Diverse student body with real-world perspectives
- Strong ties to Chicago business community
- Emphasis on practical problem-solving skills
- Access to city internship and job opportunities
Why Ranked #3
UIC provides excellent value for students seeking a quality information systems education in an urban environment, with strong connections to Chicago's business and technology sectors.
Illinois University Systems for MIS Education
The University of Illinois System offers the most comprehensive MIS education options in the state. UIUC provides the flagship research-oriented program, while UIC offers an urban alternative with strong Chicago business connections. Both campuses maintain excellent faculty-to-student ratios and provide extensive career services.
Illinois State University System institutions like Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University provide quality education at affordable prices. These programs focus on practical business technology skills and maintain strong regional employer relationships.
Private institutions like DePaul and Northwestern offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs. DePaul's Chicago location provides unmatched internship opportunities, while Northwestern's prestigious business school offers an elite but expensive option.
Career Paths
Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan, coordinate, and direct IT activities in organizations
Business Analyst
SOC 13-1111Analyze business processes and recommend technology solutions
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Design, implement, and maintain database systems
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1121Study organization's systems and design solutions
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan and direct IT projects from conception to completion
MIS Programs in Other States
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $14,200 | $28,400 | $44,800 |
| Class Sizes | 18-20:1 | 18-20:1 | 12-15:1 |
| Research Opportunities | High | High | Medium |
| Industry Connections | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Financial Aid | Good | Limited | Excellent |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Chicago's major business and financial markets
- Affordable public education options with strong outcomes
- Diverse program offerings from research to practical focus
- Strong alumni networks in Midwest business community
- Excellent internship opportunities in major metropolitan areas
- Coastal tech hubs like Silicon Valley or NYC
- Warmer climates year-round
- More prestigious private university options
- International business focus over domestic markets
- Larger tech startup ecosystems
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois MIS Programs
Related Information Systems Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Illinois-specific salary data for information systems occupations, May 2024
Tuition, fees, and program availability data
State-specific higher education data and program information
Taylor Rupe
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