Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Western Illinois University

Illinois engineering programs suggest first-year earnings around $74,400—exactly where comparable programs in the state typically land—paired with estimated debt of $23,500. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to roughly four months of gross income, a manageable starting point for most engineering graduates. While the state's top program at UIUC pushes into the mid-$80s, the difference between Western Illinois and other state schools is measured in thousands, not tens of thousands.

The caveat here matters: we're looking at estimates derived from peer engineering programs across Illinois, not tracked outcomes for Western Illinois graduates specifically. The small sample size that triggers data suppression could mean anything from a newer program to simply fewer graduates—context that changes how you'd interpret these numbers. What similar programs produce isn't necessarily what this one delivers, particularly at a regional campus where local industry connections can vary significantly from Chicago-area schools.

For families weighing this option, the estimated debt load looks reasonable if—and this is the critical question to answer directly with the school—graduates actually find engineering work at typical Illinois rates. Ask about recent placement rates, employer relationships, and whether graduates leave Macomb with offers in hand. The numbers suggest solid value, but you're investing based on what peer programs achieve, not proven track record from Western Illinois itself.