Top Engineering Schools in Illinois
1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Grainger College of Engineering
Overview
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the world. Established in 1868, Grainger has consistently been ranked among the top engineering programs globally and is known for its pioneering research in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and bioengineering. With over 15 specialized engineering departments, the college offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. UIUC is also home to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), where groundbreaking technologies, including the development of web browsers, were born. The college maintains strong relationships with industry leaders, providing students with ample opportunities for internships, co-ops, and employment.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #10 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 7,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 3,500 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Agricultural, Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Materials Science, Mechanical, and Nuclear Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs across various engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 20–25% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 155
Famous Alumni
- Marc Andreessen – Co-founder of Netscape and influential venture capitalist.
- Max Levchin – Co-founder of PayPal and founder of Affirm.
- Nick Holonyak – Inventor of the LED light.
- Thomas Siebel – Founder of Siebel Systems and C3.ai.
- Steve Chen – Co-founder of YouTube.
2. Northwestern University – McCormick School of Engineering
Overview
The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to engineering education. Located in Evanston, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, McCormick offers top-tier programs in biomedical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others. Established in 1909, McCormick emphasizes innovation through design thinking and collaboration across fields such as law, business, and medicine. Northwestern’s close proximity to Chicago’s vibrant tech and business scene provides students with numerous networking and internship opportunities. The university is also home to the Segal Design Institute and the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among its engineering students.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #19 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,800 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,300 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in multiple engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 7% (for overall university).
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 20-30% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 163
- Verbal: 155
Famous Alumni
- Ann Lurie – Philanthropist and former nurse, major donor to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
- J. Edward Colgate – Co-founder of Cobotics and expert in robotics.
- Michael P. Graves – Former Chairman and CEO of Motorola.
- Stephen Carr – Renowned materials scientist and expert in polymer science.
- Penny Pritzker – Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and billionaire businesswoman.
3. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) – Armour College of Engineering
Overview
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), located in Chicago, is known for its focus on innovation and technology-driven education. The Armour College of Engineering at IIT offers programs that integrate academic rigor with hands-on, real-world applications. Established in 1890, the college is recognized for its contributions to fields such as electrical engineering, architecture, and robotics. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship, with students often working on collaborative projects that combine engineering with business and law. IIT has a strong research focus, particularly in energy, sustainability, data science, and cybersecurity, which prepares students for careers in both academia and industry.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #103 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,600 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in a variety of engineering fields, including Architectural Engineering, Materials Science, and Cybersecurity.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30–35%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 150–155
Famous Alumni
- Martin Cooper – Inventor of the first handheld mobile phone.
- John W. Surma – Former Chairman and CEO of United States Steel Corporation.
- Ed Kaplan – Co-founder of Zebra Technologies, a leader in barcode printing.
- Myron Goldsmith – Renowned architect, worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
- Susan Solomon – Atmospheric chemist and leader in climate change research.
4. University of Illinois Chicago – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Engineering is one of the largest engineering schools in the state, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UIC is recognized for its research contributions in fields like bioengineering, civil infrastructure, and computer science. Located in the heart of Chicago, UIC provides students with access to a wealth of internships, co-op opportunities, and research experiences in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. UIC is also home to several research centers, including the Energy Resources Center and the Electronic Visualization Laboratory, where students can work on cutting-edge projects in energy efficiency, biomedical devices, and virtual reality.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #72 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 3,500 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,500 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines, including Energy Engineering and Computer Science.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 40-45%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 158–160
- Verbal: 150–155
Famous Alumni
- Bruno Wu – Chinese billionaire media mogul.
- Nadhmi Auchi – Iraqi-British billionaire and founder of General Mediterranean Holdings.
- Swee Lay Theam – Chief Technology Officer at Motorola Solutions.
- Rishab Aiyer Ghosh – Open-source software pioneer and researcher.
- John Flavin – Biotechnology entrepreneur and founder of several life sciences companies.
5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale – College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics
Overview
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) offers comprehensive engineering programs through its College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics. SIUC is known for its commitment to experiential learning, with programs that emphasize hands-on experience and practical applications in areas such as automotive, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The university’s location in southern Illinois provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers. SIUC also offers specialized programs in aviation and energy engineering, fields that are increasingly important in the global economy. SIUC’s relatively affordable tuition and strong alumni network make it an attractive option for students seeking a high-quality engineering education.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #141 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,500 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 400 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various fields, including Energy Engineering and Computer Science.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 45%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155–160
- Verbal: 150–155
Famous Alumni
- Randy Daniels – Former New York Secretary of State.
- David Lee – Co-founder of Global Crossing, a telecommunications company.
- Paul Simon – Former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate.
- Fred Haise – NASA astronaut and Apollo 13 lunar module pilot.
- James E. Walker – Former President of Southern Illinois University and higher education advocate.