Mechanical Engineering at Western Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois University | $69,663* | — | $23,110* | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $80,187* | $87,705 | $20,500* | 0.26 |
| Northwestern University | $75,253* | $92,129 | $15,334* | 0.20 |
| Bradley University | $71,746* | $81,887 | $27,000* | 0.38 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $69,871* | $77,381 | $21,500* | 0.31 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $69,454* | $80,996 | $24,250* | 0.35 |
| National Median | $70,744* | — | $24,755* | 0.35 |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $80,187 | $20,500 |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $75,253 | $15,334 |
| Bradley University Peoria | $39,680 | $71,746 | $27,000 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $69,871 | $21,500 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale | $13,244 | $69,454 | $24,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Illinois University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.