About

Leading excellence in engineering education and research

The Grainger College of Engineering  at the University of Illinois is a leader in engineering and computing education, research and public engagement. Our diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students, and alumni is driving the future of technological advancements and innovation, relentlessly pursuing knowledge and empowering the next generation of engineers. Collectively, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible to solve the world's greatest challenges and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence.

  • 17,000+ students from 50 states and 100+ countries
  • 600+ expert faculty leading breakthrough research
  • 39 top-ten ranked degree programs and specialties
  • $300M in total research expenditures
  • 100K+ alumni worldwide
  • $75,450 average BS degree starting salary
  • 150+ campus labs, research centers, and institutes
  • 9+ multidisciplinary research centers

The Grainger Foundation's Commitment

The Grainger College of Engineering is named in honor of distinguished alumnus William W. Grainger, who founded the Fortune 500 industrial supply company W. W. Grainger in 1927. Our name reflects The Grainger Foundation’s unprecedented and unwavering support, totalling more than $300 million, to drive engineering entrepreneurship and innovation. It is the largest contribution ever to a public university to name a college of engineering, and we are honored to spread our global impact with the Grainger name.

This investment in the college’s bold vision creates endless opportunities for our students, faculty, and researchers that can be seen across our engineering campus—in the Engineering Visionary Scholarship Initiative, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Building, Everitt Laboratory, the Grainger Library and Information Center, the Grainger Chair in Electrical Engineering, and an endowment in support of engineering research.

Learn more about the Grainger Foundation's commitment →

Photo of William W. Grainger

Reimagining Engineering Education

The Grainger College of Engineering fosters a passion for lifetime learning. Our undergraduate, graduate, and online degree and certificate programs are designed to give the brightest minds the opportunity to think critically and creatively.

By design, our educational process celebrates diversity, collaboration, student research, professional development and unique, hands-on learning experiences that unlock the potential for boundless achievement in every student.

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Tackling the Toughest Challenges

At Grainger Engineering, we are building a better tomorrow. We envision a future in which new solutions from our best engineers usher in positive change, such as global access to clean water, nuclear and cyber security, cures and treatments for diseases, effective health care, and a sustainable environment.

Research opportunities alongside our award-winning faculty are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, offering a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary exploration of research. Truly, Grainger Engineering is an elite engineering education come to life.

Explore Groundbreaking Research

Aggressively Driving the Economy

Grainger Engineering provides opportunities and resources for students and faculty to bring their innovations to market by making world-class entrepreneurial programs, partnerships, opportunities, and experiences accessible to everyone at Illinois.

See Our Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

The Grainger College of Engineering family includes a network of more than 80,000 alumni innovators and inventors around the world who exhibit outstanding leadership, contributions to entrepreneurial engineering, and dedicated service to society. We are proud to honor our Distinguished Alumni and their groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of science and technology that are deeply embedded in the daily lives of every human being on the planet.

Meet Our Distinguished Alumni

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