Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Illinois for 2026
Illinois offers outstanding opportunities for aspiring engineers, from large research universities to smaller institutions with personalized instruction. Whether your interest lies in mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, or computer engineering, these programs combine academic rigor with practical experience to prepare you for in-demand careers.
Students in Illinois benefit from industry-connected faculty, modern laboratories, and hands-on projects that bridge classroom theory with real-world problem-solving. Whether you choose a renowned research hub like University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or an urban, career-focused program at University of Illinois Chicago, you’ll find a path that equips you with the skills, experience, and professional network to thrive in engineering.
North Park University
Chicago, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1891, North Park University prides itself on its deep Christian roots and its commitment to providing a world-class education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. North Park’s location in Chicago offers students a unique opportunity to learn, serve, and develop their faith in an increasingly diverse community.
CRUX
Crux is a living-learning cohort in which first-year students are inspired to develop their identity in Christ while experiencing the city. Coursework, experiential learning, mentorship, and discipleship training comprise the Crux experience, earning students college credit while living and learning within an on-campus cohort. They also complete multiple service projects to further develop a life of community engagement.
Acceptance rate 73% • Net price $19,910
Total Undergrad Population 1,876 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 69% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. With a history that dates back to 1895, NIU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state of Illinois, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across seven colleges. The university is known for its strong commitment to research, experiential learning, and community engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore their passions, develop their skills, and make a difference in the world.
Whether students are interested in the arts, sciences, business, education, or any other field, NIU is a welcoming and supportive community that can help them achieve their goals and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
Acceptance rate 70% • Net price $13,533
Total Undergrad Population 11,358 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 50% • Retention rate 70% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Click here for available majors
Engineering Majors Offered
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Electrical Electronics and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians General
Engineering Majors Offered
Mechanical Engineering
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Faith is at the heart of superior academics, nationally competitive athletics, thriving social atmosphere, and countless ministry opportunities at Olivet.
Olivet offers more than 140 undergraduate areas of study and holds the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission and other top accrediting associations. Seasoned faculty members challenge each student, believing that Christians can increase their impact on the world through excellence in scholarship, thought, and communication.
Olivet students study in small classes with a student-faculty ratio of just 14:1, learning exclusively from professors, not teaching assistants. They actively participate in learning and collaborate in groups.
Acceptance rate 67% • Net price $22,707 • SAT Range 960-1190
Total Undergrad Population 2,569 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 60% • Retention rate 68% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Engineering, General
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, UIC helps students unleash their potential. Students enjoy 87 bachelor’s programs, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and award-winning professors who are regarded as experts in their field. The University of Illinois Chicago is proud to support one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, so every member of the community has a place in which to learn and thrive.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
UIC is proud to offer students unique ways to live and learn on campus. Living-learning communities comprise of committed students who share a common interest. Students can choose from 15 different communities with topics ranging from Pre-Health to Women in Science and Engineering. Each community has a peer mentor who works within the group to make sure students have the best experience possible. Students also enjoy the benefits of making deeper connections with peers, having built-in study buddies, and gaining easy access to experiential learning opportunities that are relevant to their field of study.
Acceptance rate 79% • Net price $11,499 • SAT Range 1120-1340
Total Undergrad Population 22,107 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 60% • Retention rate 78% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public research university that is esteemed for its more than 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs. These programs span across diverse fields such as engineering, business, social sciences, education, and more. With a large student body of over 50,000 students from all around the world, UIUC is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters academic and personal growth.
UIUC’s distinguished faculty are renowned experts in their respective fields and their cutting-edge research programs are at the forefront of innovation and discovery. UIUC offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in research, service, leadership, internships, study abroad programs, and other experiential learning opportunities. Join a community of learners and leaders who are passionate about making a difference in the world, and discover why UIUC is consistently recognized among the top public universities in the United States.
Acceptance rate 44% • Net price $14,297 • SAT Range 1270-1510
Total Undergrad Population 35,564 • Setting City: Small • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 20:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering | Agricultural Engineering | Biomedical/Medical Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Civil Engineering | Computer Engineering | Electrical Electronics and Communications Engineering | Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Physics | Materials Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Nuclear Engineering | Systems Engineering | Industrial Engineering
Engineering in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Illinois is $6,389 for in-state students at Our list includes exceptional programs like University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, and Northern Illinois University, each known for ABET-accredited programs and strong career outcomes.
Yes—schools like Olivet Nazarene University and UIUC maintain ABET accreditation, ensuring high standards in curriculum, labs, and faculty qualifications.
Illinois programs emphasize practical learning through labs, co-ops, internships, and senior design projects. Schools such as UIC connect students to Chicago’s engineering and tech industries.
Options vary by campus but often include mechanical, civil, electrical, computer, biomedical, and chemical engineering. Some schools, like North Park University, offer interdisciplinary STEM pathways.
Students benefit from dedicated career centers, industry networking, and employer partnerships. NIU and UIUC host job fairs, employer talks, and internship pipelines.
Yes. Many Illinois schools offer study abroad programs, international research projects, or global design competitions, enabling students to gain cultural perspectives alongside technical skills.
How We Chose the Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Illinois
Every school featured on this list has earned the College of Distinction designation through a rigorous selection process focused on four key distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development.
For our Engineering recognition, we also evaluate:
- ABET accreditation and a multi-year record of program quality and stability.
- Hands-on learning through design studios, labs, co-ops, internships, and undergraduate research.
- Multidisciplinary pathways (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, chemical, biomedical, industrial).
- Modern facilities & labs with access to advanced tools, simulation, and fabrication.
- Advising & mentoring tailored to engineering students, including licensure and career guidance.
- Industry partnerships & outcomes that lead to meaningful projects, internships, and strong job placement.
Data Sources: We combine quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and the College Scorecard with qualitative insights from direct communication with schools, faculty interviews, and publicly available program information.
Author: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Reviewed by: Katie Creel
Last updated in August 2025 with data from IPEDS and College Scorecard.
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