Best Online Engineering Programs in Sterling, IL (2026)
Sterling, Illinois has a population of about 14,670. The city’s median household income is $52,647 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 18.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Sterling, with tuition ranging from $4,696 to $12,397 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $157,480 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Sterling
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Sterling city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon, IL | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 33.4 mi | $4,696 - $12,397 | – |
| Kishwaukee College | Malta, IL | 42.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Black Hawk College | Moline, IL | 44.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Illinois Valley Community College | Oglesby, IL | 46.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Sterling
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 |
| Electrical Engineer | $104,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $99,730 |
| Chemical Engineer | $120,360 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,540 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $83,730 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,550 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $157,480 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Sterling at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,670 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,647 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 18.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Whiteside County | 40 workers, 8 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Sterling-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Clinton, IA – 28.3 mi away (30,930 pop)
- Freeport, IL – 34.0 mi away (24,717 pop)
- East Moline, IL – 40.6 mi away (21,135 pop)
- Peru, IL – 42.6 mi away (30,795 pop)
- Bettendorf, IA – 43.4 mi away (35,727 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Sterling, IL?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Sterling. The closest is Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL (5.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Illinois Valley Community College (46.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in Illinois are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($157,480), Aerospace Engineer ($122,540), Chemical Engineer ($120,360). Wages for Sterling workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Clinton instead of Sterling?
Clinton, IA is 28.3 miles from Sterling and has its own set of local engineering programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Sterling an affordable place to study engineering?
Sterling’s median household income of $52,647 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Sterling while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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Return to Best Online Engineering Programs in Illinois (2026)