State ranking · 2026

Best Mechatronics Programs in Illinois, Ranked (2026)

A state-level comparison of mechatronics, automation, and robotics programs headquartered in Illinois. Each listing links to the school’s own program page, so you can verify curriculum, tuition, delivery format, and admissions details before applying.

Quick answer

3 maintained school records are currently linked for Illinois. Use the links to verify practical requirements and current program details directly with the institution.

The best current program matches in Illinois

These 3 school-linked records are ranked through the Mechatronics Guide Index and were reviewed August 14, 2026. The institution’s own page remains the primary source for current facts.

How the state order works: Each record receives credit for the same seven documented signals used across Mechatronics Guide: accreditation, program leadership, advancement pathways, practical delivery, employer connection, affordability, and reputation. Decimal values reflect partial credit for evidence in a record, not a promise of outcomes.

best mechatronics associate programs

AAS in Mechatronics Engineering Technology

City Colleges of Chicago — Richard J. Daley College · Chicago, IL

Richard J. Daley College's Mechatronics Engineering Technology AAS (61 credits) is taught out of the Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) — a purpose-built advanced-manufacturing facility on the southwest side of Chicago. The pathway is stackable: students earn Basic Certificates in Manufacturing Technology and CNC Technology plus an Advanced Certificate in Mechatronics en route to the AAS, then can transfer into bachelor's programs at Southern Illinois University or Illinois Institute of Technology. Reported career earnings for AAS holders run $60,000+ in Cook County industrial-maintenance and automation-technician roles.

Published tuition
$4,068/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
HLC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechatronics Engineering

Northern Illinois University · DeKalb, IL

Northern Illinois University runs the only ABET-EAC accredited Mechatronics Engineering BS in Illinois and is regularly cited as one of fewer than ten EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering BS programs in the entire United States. Industry partnerships with Omron, Siemens, Collins Aerospace, Adept Robotics, and John Deere feed graduates directly into the Chicago manufacturing corridor. Curriculum spans robotics, automation, AI, machine learning, control systems, embedded systems, and signal processing in a tight interdisciplinary structure.

Published tuition
$13,500/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville runs an EAC-accredited BS in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, one of the few US programs combining both titles in a single degree. The two-semester senior design capstone plus URCA undergraduate research opportunities anchor an applied curriculum that places graduates into robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, defense, medical devices, and agriculture technology. SIUE's accelerated BS+MS option lets motivated students continue into graduate work without losing time.

Published tuition
$11,000/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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How should you compare options in Illinois?

Choose the responsibility level first: a short credential, an associate pathway into maintenance and automation work, or an engineering-focused bachelor’s or graduate degree. Then compare the current curriculum, lab access, employer-connected learning, total cost, and your ability to complete practical requirements.

Related rankings and accreditation guidance

Degree level

Mechatronics Certificates

Shorter certificate pathways can help a working learner build specific skills, but they are not interchangeable with an accredited degree or a documented apprenticeship.

Degree level

Best Mechatronics Associate Degree Programs

A mechatronics associate degree is commonly the practical entry point for automation and maintenance roles. Look closely at lab time, industrial controls exposure, and local employer partnerships.

Degree level

Best Mechatronics Bachelor’s Degree Programs

A mechatronics bachelor’s degree typically adds calculus, engineering analysis, design, and systems thinking to the applied automation core.

Accreditation

ABET-EAC engineering programs

Compare engineering-focused programs using a separate, source-linked ranking.

Delivery format

Online mechatronics programs

Review the practical requirements behind “online” claims.

Work pathway

Programs with apprenticeships

Explore documented earn-while-you-learn signals.

Availability note: This page does not claim that every online program can enroll residents of Illinois. State authorization, lab/residency requirements, and professional requirements must be verified with the institution before enrollment.