Best Software Development Schools in Illinois (2026)

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Illinois Software Development At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Software Development Salary$102,782
Salary OutlookIllinois offers competitive wages for software development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online software development degree in Illinois offers a flexible path into software development careers. Illinois offers competitive wages for software development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Software Development Schools in Illinois

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

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

DePaul University

Chicago, IL BOC Score 66.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $68,751
Avg net price $30,902/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 86%
  • Programs offered: 84

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Kishwaukee College

Malta, IL BOC Score 66.2
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 42%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $39,657
Avg net price $4,574/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$4,560
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$13,680
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, IL BOC Score 60.0
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 30%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,892
Avg net price $2,829/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 74

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL BOC Score 53.4
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 56%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $38,877
Avg net price $2,254/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$4,415
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$14,301
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 79

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Rock Valley College

Rockford, IL BOC Score 49.5
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 32%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $39,158
Avg net price $5,242/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL BOC Score 47.7
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 25%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $46,909
Avg net price $7,401/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 104

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL BOC Score 47.4
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,424
Avg net price $7,607/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$4,788
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$14,400
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 88

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Rend Lake College

Ina, IL BOC Score 45.9
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 56%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $35,775
Avg net price $9,187/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 63

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Software Development 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)
Software Developer$132,110
Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester$104,910
Computer Programmer$72,540
Computer Systems Analyst$101,570

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Software Development 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.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Illinois economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online software development programs in Illinois accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Software Development pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive wages for software development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Illinois a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for software development in Illinois?

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


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