The Grainger College of Engineering : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

About The Grainger College of Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a formidable force in engineering.

We’re home to over 15,000 students from 50 US states and more than 100 countries, learning from 600+ expert faculty and supported by a global network of 100,000+ alumni .

From pioneering research and public engagement to high-impact teaching, at Illinois Grainger Engineering, we’re shaping the future of technology. Our graduates and researchers have contributed to breakthroughs across technology, healthcare, energy and beyond – from award-winning start-ups to widely adopted patents. Collectively, we’re pushing boundaries to solve the world's greatest challenges and leave a legacy of excellence for all.

As a Grainger engineer, you’ll be part of the award-winning University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – named the #9 best public university in the US (U.S. News & World Report 2024-25).

41 top ten ranked degrees and specialties, 23 in the top 5 (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
#5 overall undergraduate engineering program (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
#7 overall graduate engineering program (U.S. News & World Report 2025
$96,766 average graduate starting salary (2024)
94% of Grainger Engineering students secure a first destination (2024)
150+ campus labs, research centers, and institutes
Five-year PhD funding guarantee

Why Choose Grainger?

Top-ranked, research-driven, career-ready.
Learn from faculty shaping the future of AI, energy, robotics, health and more
Get hands-on experience in 150+ research labs, makerspaces and design studios
Join 100+ engineering student organizations , competitions and project teams
Access tailored career support and global employer connections
Study in Urbana-Champaign, take your studies fully online , or explore program options in Chicago

About The Grainger College of Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a formidable force in engineering.

We’re home to over 15,000 students from 50 US states and more than 100 countries, learning from 600+ expert faculty and supported by a global network of 100,000+ alumni .

From pioneering research and public engagement to high-impact teaching, at Illinois Grainger Engineering, we’re shaping the future of technology. Our graduates and researchers have contributed to breakthroughs across technology, healthcare, energy and beyond – from award-winning start-ups to widely adopted patents. Collectively, we’re pushing boundaries to solve the world's greatest challenges and leave a legacy of excellence for all.

As a Grainger engineer, you’ll be part of the award-winning University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – named the #9 best public university in the US (U.S. News & World Report 2024-25).

41 top ten ranked degrees and specialties, 23 in the top 5 (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
#5 overall undergraduate engineering program (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
#7 overall graduate engineering program (U.S. News & World Report 2025
$96,766 average graduate starting salary (2024)
94% of Grainger Engineering students secure a first destination (2024)
150+ campus labs, research centers, and institutes
Five-year PhD funding guarantee

Why Choose Grainger?

Top-ranked, research-driven, career-ready.
Learn from faculty shaping the future of AI, energy, robotics, health and more
Get hands-on experience in 150+ research labs, makerspaces and design studios
Join 100+ engineering student organizations , competitions and project teams
Access tailored career support and global employer connections
Study in Urbana-Champaign, take your studies fully online , or explore program options in Chicago

Available programmes

Computer Science - MCS | Chicago

Engineering and Technology (2)

B.S.: Aerospace Engineering

B.S.: Agricultural and Biological Engineering

B.S.: Bioengineering

B.S.: Chemical Engineering

B.S.: Civil Engineering

B.S.: Computer Engineering

View All

Natural Sciences (2)

B.S.: Physics

Engineering and Technology (3)

Aerospace Engineering - M.S. | Online

Aerospace Engineering, M.S.

Aerospace Systems Engineering - M.Eng.

Agricultural & Biological Engineering, M.S.

Autonomy & Robotics - M.Eng.

Bioengineering - M.S.

View All

Life Sciences and Medicine (3)

Digital Agriculture, M.Eng.

Natural Sciences (3)

Instrumentation & Applied Physics - M.Eng.

Engineering and Technology (2)

Aerospace Engineering - Ph.D.

Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Ph.D.

Bioengineering - Ph.D.

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Ph.D.

Civil Engineering - Ph.D.

Computer Science - Ph.D.

View All

Natural Sciences (2)

Physics - Ph.D.

University information

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers undergraduate and graduate program options, on-campus and online .

Admissions processes and requirements may vary. Use the links below to explore your area of study and get ready to apply.

Undergraduate Admissions | Graduate Admissions

Bachelor

TOEFL

100+

IELTS

7.5+

Master

GPA

3+

IELTS

7.5+

TOEFL

103+

At Illinois Grainger Engineering, students are part of a research community trusted by federal agencies and leading industry partners.

Our institutes and centers bring together expert faculty, advanced facilities, and collaborative spaces designed for real-world problem-solving. Multidisciplinary work is built into the experience.

It’s this environment that regularly places Illinois Grainger Engineering among the top engineering schools worldwide for research funding and impact.

As a student at the Grainger College of Engineering, you’ll have access to:

30 libraries across campus, including the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center
Quiet study areas, collaborative spaces, and project labs such as the Siebel Center for Design and MechSE MakerWorks
Opportunities for students to contribute to cutting-edge research across 9+ multidisciplinary research centers

Key facilities include:

Coordinated Science Laboratory
A premier, multidisciplinary research laboratory that focuses on information technology at the crossroads of circuits, computing, control, and communications.

Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab
One of the country's largest and most sophisticated university facilities for conducting photonics, microelectronics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology research.

Materials Research Laboratory
Brings together world-class faculty and students in condensed matter physics, materials chemistry, and materials science in a highly collaborative research environment.

Learn more about Grainger Engineering research facilities

Support Services

Personalized academic support
Access tailored help with study skills, time management and course planning through campus-wide academic advising , peer mentoring schemes and tutoring services .

Career guidance from day one
Engineering Career Services offers one-on-one coaching, résumé reviews, mock interviews and employer events. Whether you're applying for internships or full-time roles, the support is practical and proactive.

The results speak for themselves:

Graduate Outcomes

· 97% of undergraduates secure their first-choice destination (employment or continuing education) shortly after graduation

· 92% of graduate students secure their first-choice destination

Wellbeing and mental health
The university provides a range of health services – from drop-in counselling and wellness workshops to on-campus clinics and nutrition support.

A community for everyone
With over 100 engineering-focused student groups – and more than 1,000 across the wider campus – there are plenty of ways to meet people and get involved. Dedicated centers for cultural, gender and LGBTQ+ inclusion also offer programming and support.

Accessible support for all needs
Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) ensures equal access to learning through academic accommodations, assistive tech, and advocacy. The campus is designed to be accessible and inclusive.

Financial guidance and resources
Support is available to help you manage tuition, apply for scholarships, and understand financial aid. The Student Money Management Center also offers advice on budgeting, credit and planning for life after graduation.

Faith and reflection
Students of all faiths can access spaces for prayer, quiet reflection and interfaith dialogue. A number of student-led religious and spiritual groups are active on campus.

Practical everyday support
Student Affairs helps with housing and dining, transport, legal services and more. It’s the go-to resource for day-to-day life as a student.

Student life

The Grainger College of Engineering is split between two campuses. The majority of courses take place on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, while some graduate-level courses are based in Chicago.

Urbana-Champaign

The Campus:

· Large, welcoming campus with 30 libraries, modern sports facilities and green space

· Interdisciplinary by design – students and researchers collaborate across fields

· Everything’s within walking distance: Campustown, labs, cafés, galleries

The City:

Known as the Silicon Prairie, Urbana-Champaign combines small-city ease with big-city impact.

· Ranked #6 Best US College Town (American Institute for Economic Research)

· Diverse, international community under 250,000 residents

· Vibrant arts, music and food culture

· Fast-growing tech and start-up scene

· Close to Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis

Explore Urbana-Champagne

Chicago

Illinois Grainger Engineering is helping shape Chicago into a national leader in quantum, AI and technology innovation.

The Campus:

· A growing hub for research, start-ups and academic partnerships

· Connects students with projects in quantum, AI, biotech, climate and more

· Close ties with Discovery Partners Institute, CQE, Duality and local colleges

· Strong pipeline between Chicago companies and Grainger engineers, faculty and alumni

The City:

· One of the largest and most diverse economies in the US

· Fast-growing center for quantum and AI

· Access to major employers, research institutions and venture networks

· Deep alumni presence across sectors

Explore Chicago

Sports and school spirit
Get behind the Fighting Illini at one of many NCAA Division I games throughout the year. Whether it’s football at Memorial Stadium or basketball at State Farm Center, sport is a big part of the campus culture.

Stay active
The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) at Illinois is one of the largest campus fitness centers in the country. You’ll find everything from swimming pools to climbing walls, group classes to indoor tracks.

Explore local arts and music
In Champaign-Urbana, there’s always something happening on campus or downtown – from film festivals and theatre performances to live music .

Food scenes worth exploring
Champaign-Urbana is known for its mix of international cuisines, farmers’ markets, food trucks and late-night diners.

Green spaces and outdoor escapes
Champaign-Urbana has lakes, parks, and nature trails perfect for walks, runs or weekend picnics.

Student clubs and events
Students have access to 1,000+ registered student organizations . Whether it’s esports, improv comedy, cultural groups or volunteer work, there are plenty of ways to connect with others and try something new.

Weekend trips and travel
From Champaign-Urbana, you’re a few hours from major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis or St. Louis.

Explore the campus facilities in more detail.

Cost of Living

On-campus housing for first-year undergraduates
All first-year undergraduates live on-campus, which includes 26 residence halls and a variety of approved private options. These are designed to help new students settle in and build connections early on.

Flexible options after your first year
From second year onwards, students can choose what suits them best – many stay on campus, while others rent apartments or houses in the surrounding area.

Housing support for graduate students
Graduate students have access to a limited number of on-campus housing options, including units for families. Many prefer to live off campus in nearby rentals.

Help with finding accommodation
University Housing manages on-campus accommodation and provides guidance throughout the housing process.

Explore your options on the University Housing webpage .

Tuition fees

Scholarships for International Students

International students are eligible for many of the same scholarships as domestic students.

Scholarships for international undergraduates

International students are eligible for a range of merit-based scholarships. Awards vary by academic achievement, program of study and other criteria.

For more information about undergrad scholarships and funding opportunities, visit the college’s Undergraduate Aid webpage .

Scholarships for graduate students
Graduate funding is managed at the program level. Options may include:

· Research assistantships

· Teaching assistantships

· Departmental scholarships

· Five-year funding guarantee for PhD students

Not all programs offer funding, so check directly with your department of interest.

Head to the college’s Graduate Funding page for more details.

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles: