College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Value Engineering Technology Schools in Illinois

6 Colleges in the United States
$20,480 Avg Student Debt
$55,798 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Engineering Technology Badge [Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/general-engineering-technology/engineering-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for engineering technology students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Engineering Technology Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in engineering technology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Engineering Technology Schools

1
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

For return on investment in engineering technology, no school beat Mchenry County College this year. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,162, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Students borrow a median of $7,440 to complete the engineering technology program here. Early-career engineering technology graduates make about $24,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Students looking for strong value in engineering technology will find it at Eastern Illinois University, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering technology degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $43,603. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.

3

Western Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Students borrow a median of $32,373 to complete the engineering technology program here. Early-career engineering technology graduates make about $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

4

Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering technology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $27,274 to complete the engineering technology program here. Engineering Technology graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $62,117 early in their careers. Set against $27,274 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #5 place for engineering technology. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering technology degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $55,532. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Morrison Institute Of Technology landed the #6 spot for engineering technology value this year. Morrison Institute Of Technology is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Morrison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,422. Typical student debt for engineering technology graduates is $12,000. Engineering Technology graduates of Morrison Institute Of Technology earn a median of $39,332 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

View All Engineering Technology Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options