Illinois · Computer Science

Best Computer Science institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

Institutions
40
offering CIP 11.07
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
5,118
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$81,363
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
22
College Scorecard
Median net price
$19,899
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
61%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Computer and Information Research Scientists
$129,370
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$124,5301,55585%$20,500
2University of Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$117,57836296%$13,333
3Northwestern University
Evanston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$99,98127795%$14,799$14,600
4Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$86,00550475%$19,899$23,250
5Wheaton College
Wheaton Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$81,4701685%$23,461
6Illinois State University
Normal Public · Bachelor's degree
$81,36318665%$22,500
7University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$78,04051062%$19,087
8Northern Illinois University
Dekalb Public · Bachelor's degree
$77,25723149%$22,966
9Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville Public · Bachelor's degree
$76,1069757%$21,745
10Augustana College
Rock Island Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$74,7451473%$14,960$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+19.7%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$140,910
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningMathematics

What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
350
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$129,370
median $135,120
Best-paying metro
$128,560
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Software Developers
$127,030 avg · 54,490 jobs
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$168,630 avg · 27,550 jobs
Computer Occupations, All Other
$104,140 avg · 11,440 jobs
Computer Network Support Specialists
$73,010 avg · 8,240 jobs
Data Scientists
$119,010 avg · 7,390 jobs
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
$102,550 avg · 6,800 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in Illinois.

Which Computer Science program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign tops the list at $124,530. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Illinois is $129,370 (median $135,120), across about 350 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Computer Science program?+

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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