Home > Programs > Engineering > States > Illinois


Illinois Engineering At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Engineering Salary$111,629
National ComparisonIllinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.2% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Board of Professional Engineers
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online engineering degree in Illinois offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Illinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.2% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Engineering Schools in Illinois

The following schools offer accredited online engineering programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Illinois.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 44%
Graduation rate 85%
Tuition
In‑state$16,004
Out‑of‑state$34,501
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 61%
Tuition
In‑state$14,338
Out‑of‑state$29,360
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 75%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$14,952
Out‑of‑state$14,952
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Engineering professionals in Illinois experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Illinois.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Illinois)
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: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Engineering Degree in Illinois?

Choosing a program in Illinois can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Illinois offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local programs often have strong ties to the Illinois board of professional engineers, essential for those pursuing PE licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online engineering programs in Illinois accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Illinois, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Engineering pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.2% below the national trend. This makes Illinois a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for engineering in Illinois?

The Illinois Board of Professional Engineers oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Illinois. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Browse Other States