Are you looking for the best electrical engineering schools in Illinois? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best electrical engineering schools in Illinois, based on factors such as graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and average salary of graduates.
Top 10 Best Electrical Engineering Schools in Illinois

1. the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or UIUC, is a large public research university in the state of Illinois. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. UIUC is known for its strong engineering and computer science programs, which are ranked among the best in the country. The university also has highly-ranked programs in business, education, and agriculture.
Features:
- UIUC has a student body of over 32,000 and is one of the largest universities in the Midwest.
- The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, which offer a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
- The university also has a strong athletic program, with Division I teams in a variety of sports.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs
- Large student body
- Located in a vibrant college town
- Strong athletic program
Cons:
- Can be expensive to attend
- Large class sizes
- winters can be cold
2. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago in Illinois, United States. Northwestern has 11 schools and colleges, more than 21,000 undergraduate students, and over 8,000 graduate and professional students.
Founded in 1851, Northwestern is one of the country’s original leading research universities. The University is dedicated to excellent teaching, innovative research, and civic engagement, and is committed to attracting and retaining top students and faculty.
Features:
- One of the top private research universities in the country, Northwestern offers undergraduate students a world-class education.
- The University has more than 100 undergraduate majors and over 70 graduate and professional programs.
- Northwestern is also a top choice for students looking for a world-class education.
- The University has a global reputation and is committed to attracting and retaining top students and faculty from around the world.
Pros:
- World-class education
- Dedicated to excellent teaching and innovative research
- Attracts and retains top students and faculty from around the world
Cons:
- Private university tuition can be expensive
- Limited undergraduate majors and programs
3. Illinois Institute of Technology
Founded in 1890, the Illinois Institute of Technology is a private research university located on a 217-acre campus in Chicago, Illinois. It is home to around 7,500 students from more than 100 countries.
The university is divided into five major academic divisions: Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, and Human Sciences. Within these divisions, there are more than 40 departments and programs.
Features:
- Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Some of the notable alumni of Illinois Institute of Technology include Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Leo Esaki; Emmy Award-winning television producer, Dick Wolf; co-founder of the world’s largest architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, John O. Merrill; and president of Motorola Solutions, Greg Brown.
- The university has a strong focus on research and is a member of the Association of American Universities. Illinois Institute of Technology is also home to the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the only such school in the country.
Pros:
- The university has a strong focus on research and is a member of the Association of American Universities.
- It is home to the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the only such school in the country.
- Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cons:
- The university has a high tuition cost.
- The university has a low four-year graduation rate.
4. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, is a private institution that was founded in 1874. The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,188, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 110 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #118. Its tuition and fees are $50,880 (2019-20).
Features:
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a small school with a tight-knit community.
- The school offers a variety of majors in STEM fields and is known for its cooperative education program, which allows students to alternate between semesters of full-time study and full-time paid work related to their field of study.
- The school also has a strong Greek life presence on campus.
Pros:
- Small school size creates a close-knit community
- Cooperative education program allows students to gain real-world experience
- Strong Greek life presence
Cons:
- Expensive tuition and fees
- Rural locations may not be ideal for some students
5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
The campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in a beautiful, rural setting. The university has a lot to offer students, including a variety of academic programs, a vibrant campus life, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community.
Features:
- Academic programs: SIU Carbondale offers a wide range of academic programs, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and health. There are also many research opportunities available for students.
- Campus life: The campus of SIU Carbondale is home to a vibrant student life. There are many clubs and organizations to get involved in, and the university offers a variety of events and activities.
- Community involvement: SIU Carbondale students have the opportunity to get involved in the community through various service projects and initiatives. The university also offers a number of resources to help students connect with the community.
Pros:
- Affordable tuition
- Great location
- Wide range of academic programs
Cons:
- Not as well-known as some other universities
- Smaller campus
- Limited housing options
6. The University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago, or UIC, is a large public research university located in the Windy City. With over 27,000 students, it’s the city’s largest university and the state’s third largest. UIC is a member of the prestigious University of Illinois system, which also includes the flagship campus in Champaign-Urbana and the smaller U of I Springfield.
Features:
- UIC has a lot to offer students. It’s located in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, with all the cultural and recreational opportunities that entail.
- The campus is also situated near many major employers, giving students the chance to intern or find part-time jobs while they’re in school. And as a research university,
- UIC offers students the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge projects and to use state-of-the-art facilities.
Pros:
- A large university with a wide variety of programs
- Located in the city with easy access to public transportation
- Strong research programs in the medical and sciences fields
Cons:
- Can be expensive for out-of-state students
- The city can be overwhelming for some students
- Classes can be large
7. Bradley University
Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois. Founded in 1897, Bradley University enrolls approximately 5,400 students, who pursue degrees in more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs.
Bradley offers a comprehensive educational experience that balances academic rigor with hands-on learning opportunities. As a result, Bradley graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make an impact in their chosen fields.
Features:
- Bradley University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Bradley University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Bradley University has a strong commitment to hands-on learning opportunities.
Pros:
- Bradley University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Bradley University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Bradley University has a strong commitment to hands-on learning opportunities.
Cons:
- Bradley University is a private university, so tuition can be expensive.
- Bradley University is located in Peoria, Illinois, which may not be appealing to everyone.
- Bradley University has a smaller student population, so there may be fewer social opportunities.
8. Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois. NIU was founded in 1895 as Northern Illinois State Normal School. NIU is the second-largest university in Illinois after the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. It is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.
NIU is a large university with over 20,000 students enrolled. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Features:
- NIU is a research university with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The university has a large campus with over 20,000 students enrolled.
- NIU has a strong commitment to teaching and research, with a variety of academic and research facilities.
Pros:
- The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- NIU has a large campus with over 20,000 students enrolled.
- The university has a strong commitment to teaching and research.
Cons:
- The university is located in a small city.
- The university has a large campus, which may be difficult to navigate.
- The cost of tuition and fees at NIU is higher than the average for public universities in Illinois.
9. Western Illinois University
Since its founding in 1895, Northern Illinois University has been a leader in education in the state of Illinois. The university is located in DeKalb, about 65 miles west of Chicago. With over 21,000 students, NIU is one of the largest universities in the state.
Features:
- NIU is a research-intensive university, with several nationally and internationally recognized research centers and institutes.
- The university is also home to a thriving arts community, with a world-class performing arts center and a nationally recognized museum.
- The university offers a wide variety of programs, including over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 130 graduate programs.
Pros:
- NIU is a large university with a wide variety of programs, so students are sure to find a major that fits their interests.
- The university has a strong research focus, and students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
- NIU has a vibrant arts community, with many opportunities for students to get involved in the arts.
Cons:
- Because NIU is a large university, some students may feel like they are just a number.
- The university is located in a small town, so students who want to live in a big city may not be happy with the location.
- NIU is a public university, so tuition is relatively high for in-state students.
10. DePaul University
DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th-century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul. In 2018, it had the second-largest undergraduate enrollment of any Catholic university in the United States, after Boston College
Features:
- The school has nearly 5,000 faculty members and more than 16,000 undergraduate and 8,000 graduate/law students.
- The university is organized into 10 colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Business, and the School of Law.
Pros:
- The school has a rich history and tradition dating back to 1898.
- The school is located in the heart of Chicago, one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world.
- The school has a strong commitment to service and social justice.
Cons:
- The school is located in a major city, which can be expensive to live in.
- The school can be competitive to get into, with an acceptance rate of only around 50%.
Conclusion
There are many great electrical engineering schools in Illinois, but these ten schools are definitely the best of the best. If you’re looking for a top-notch education in electrical engineering, you can’t go wrong with any of these schools.
FAQs
Which electrical engineering has the highest salary?
The top 5 highest paying jobs for Electrical Engineers are:
1. Senior Principal Engineer – 58785,84 per year.
2. Lead Electrical Design Engineer – 45314,08 per year.
3. Electrical Automation Engineer – 37965,86 per year.
4. Design Engineer – 35516,44 per year.
5. Electrical Project Engineer – 34291,74 per year.
What GPA do you need to get into UIUC engineering?
To be eligible for admission into the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s engineering program, you will need to have a minimum GPA of 3.00. However, it should be noted that admission into specific majors may be more competitive during any given admission cycle.
For fall 2022, the average GPA for admitted transfer students was 3.86, with the middle 50% of GPAs ranging from 3.78-4.00.
Do electrical engineers make more than electricians?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for an electrician was $56,900 per year or about $27.36 per hour in May 2020. The top 10 percent of electricians in the field earned salaries upwards of $98,720, annually. During the same period, the average salary for an electrical engineer was $105,990 per year.