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Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois

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2023 Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois

104 Schools Ranked
$45,060 Average Earnings
$21,268 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which computer science program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Computer Science Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 104 schools in Illinois to see which programs were the most popular for computer science students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

1,359 Total Awards
$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign the most popular school in Illinois for computer science students working on their degree. UIUC is a public institution located in Champaign, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,359 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,891 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIUC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,270 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Read full report on University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#2

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
1,038 Total Awards
$48,020 Average Earnings
$40,148 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend DeVry University - Illinois. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the large private for-profit school awarded 1,038 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from DeVry University - Illinois accumulate an average of $40,148 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $163 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, DeVry University - Illinois graduates make an average of $48,020 annually. Around 29% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on DeVry University - Illinois

#3

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
853 Total Awards
$49,846 Average Earnings
$24,047 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means DePaul University is a great place for computer science students. DePaul is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 853 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from DePaul accumulate an average of $24,047 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $517.After graduating from DePaul, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,846 during the early years of their career. Around 30% of those degree recipients were women.

Full DePaul University Report

739 Total Awards
$53,836 Average Earnings
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means University of Illinois at Chicago is a great place for computer science students. UIC is a large public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 739 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,801 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $259 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,836 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 27% were women.

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#5

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
556 Total Awards
$62,519 Average Earnings
$15,217 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Chicago. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 556 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UChicago accumulate an average of $15,217 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $708, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UChicago graduates make an average of $62,519 annually. Around 34% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Chicago Report

#6

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois
554 Total Awards
$68,021 Average Earnings
$24,232 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Institute of Technology landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 554 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Illinois Tech accumulate an average of $24,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Illinois Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $68,021 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 32% were women.

Read full report on Illinois Institute of Technology

#7

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
352 Total Awards
$69,538 Average Earnings
$19,000 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #7 on the list. Northwestern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Evanston, Illinois that handed out 352 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northwestern accumulate an average of $19,000 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $576, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Northwestern graduates make an average of $69,538 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 31% were women.

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#8

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois
319 Total Awards
$35,287 Average Earnings
$15,006 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Valley Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Palos Hills, Illinois, and it awarded 319 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,006 in student loans.After graduating from MVCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,287 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

Read full report on Moraine Valley Community College

#9

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois
300 Total Awards
$45,109 Average Earnings
$25,891 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Springfield landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the small public school handed out 300 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,891 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $128 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UIS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,109 during the early years of their career. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Illinois at Springfield Report

#10

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
246 Total Awards
$48,041 Average Earnings
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #10 on the list. Dekalb, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 246 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,759 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $216. Once they receive their degree, NIU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,041 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 25% were women.

Read full report on Northern Illinois University

#11

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
244 Total Awards
$48,984 Average Earnings
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Lewis University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Lewis University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Romeoville, Illinois that handed out 244 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lewis accumulate an average of $23,413 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $411, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lewis, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,984 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 20% were women.

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#12

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois
228 Total Awards
$24,970 Average Earnings
$14,650 Avg Student Debt

College of DuPage came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. College of DuPage is a large public school located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois that handed out 228 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,650 in student loans. During the early years of their career, COD graduates make an average of $24,970 annually. Around 20% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of DuPage

#13

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
206 Total Awards
$44,092 Average Earnings
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

Illinois State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Illinois State is a large public school situated in Normal, Illinois. It awarded 206 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Illinois State accumulate an average of $21,109 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $312 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Illinois State graduates make an average of $44,092 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 15% were women.

Read full report on Illinois State University

#14

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
159 Total Awards
$44,233 Average Earnings
$28,123 Avg Student Debt

Governors State University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. University Park, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 159 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,123 in student loans. During the early years of their career, GSU graduates make an average of $44,233 annually. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, Illinois
133 Total Awards
$40,833 Average Earnings
$21,044 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #15 on the list. Northeastern Illinois University is a medium-sized public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 133 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,044 in student loans.After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,833 during the early years of their career. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northeastern Illinois University

#16

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois
131 Total Awards
$45,746 Average Earnings
$24,579 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. SIUE is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 131 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from SIUE accumulate an average of $24,579 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $221.After graduating from SIUE, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,746 during the early years of their career. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Report

#17

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
130 Total Awards
$43,420 Average Earnings
$15,850 Avg Student Debt

William Rainey Harper College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Palatine, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 130 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,850 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Harper College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,420 during the early year of their career. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on William Rainey Harper College

#18

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
119 Total Awards
$34,492 Average Earnings
$13,642 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Joliet Junior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Located in Joliet, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 119 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Joliet Junior College accumulate an average of $13,642 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Joliet Junior College graduates make an average of $34,492 annually. Around 13% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Joliet Junior College Report

105 Total Awards
$27,991 Average Earnings
$9,901 Avg Student Debt

City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Wilbur Wright College is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 105 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $9,901 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Wilbur Wright College graduates make an average of $27,991 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

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#20

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
110 Total Awards
$47,459 Average Earnings
$22,930 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Loyola University Chicago did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 110 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $652 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Loyola Chicago, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,459 during the early years of their career. Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

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102 Total Awards
$42,413 Average Earnings
$23,594 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Carbondale, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 102 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,594 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $165. During the early years of their career, SIUC graduates make an average of $42,413 annually. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

#22

Spoon River College

Canton, Illinois
96 Total Awards

Spoon River College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Canton, Illinois, the small public school handed out 96 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 20% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Spoon River College

#23

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois
95 Total Awards
$36,934 Average Earnings
$12,518 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Southwestern Illinois College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Located in Belleville, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 95 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SWIC accumulate an average of $12,518 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, SWIC graduates make an average of $36,934 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 22% were women.

Read full report on Southwestern Illinois College

#24

Parkland College

Champaign, Illinois
92 Total Awards
$38,662 Average Earnings
$12,167 Avg Student Debt

Parkland College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois list. Located in Champaign, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 92 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,167 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Parkland College graduates make an average of $38,662 annually. Around 12% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Parkland College Report

#25

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
91 Total Awards
$38,708 Average Earnings
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Schools in Illinois ranking. Macomb, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 91 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WIU accumulate an average of $28,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $266.After graduating from WIU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,708 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 24% were women.

Read full report on Western Illinois University

Most Popular Computer Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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