What is the starting salary for Software Engineering graduates in Joliet?

The estimated starting salary for Software Engineering graduates in Joliet, IL is $95,040 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. The national average starting salary for this major is $88,000. Salaries in Joliet are 8% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Software Engineering degree worth it in Joliet?

A Software Engineering degree in Joliet has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,186,512 after subtracting education costs. With 12 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,958/year, Joliet offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Software Engineering in Joliet?

The average annual public university tuition in Joliet is $8,958, while private universities average $36,980/year. Including room and board ($13,014/year), total 4-year costs range from $87,888 at a public school to $199,976 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Joliet is $7,482/year.

What jobs can Software Engineering graduates get in Joliet?

Software Engineering graduates in Joliet can pursue careers as Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, QA Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Software Design, Testing, Agile, DevOps. The Joliet job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Google, Microsoft, Apple.

How long to pay off student loans for Software Engineering in Joliet?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Software Engineering graduates in Joliet would pay $998/month on an estimated $87,888 in loans, with $31,866 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,720/month but save $16,576 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $95,040, monthly payments would represent 13% of gross monthly income.

Software Engineering Degree in Joliet, IL — Salary & ROI 2026

Software Engineering degree analysis for Joliet, IL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$95K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$138K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.5 yrs

in Joliet

Cost of Living

108

index (100 = avg)

Software Engineering in Joliet, IL Overview

Joliet, Illinois (pop. 150,362) has 12 colleges offering Software Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 108 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $880/month. Software Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Software Design and Testing skills. The adjusted starting salary in Joliet is approximately $95,040.

Software Engineering Salary in Joliet (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Joliet's cost of living index of 108 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$95,040(+$7,040 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$138,240(+$10,240 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$172,800(+$12,800 vs national)

Note: National average Software Engineering salary: $88,000 starting, $128,000 mid-career, $160,000 senior level.Joliet adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.

Software Engineering ROI Calculator for Joliet

Estimate your return on investment for a Software Engineering degree using local Joliet tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,958 | Private avg: $36,980

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Joliet avg aid: $7,482/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$87,888

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$57,240

vs HS diploma in Joliet

ROI Payback Period

1.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Joliet

$1,186,512

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,274,400) minus total education cost ($87,888)

Student Loan Payoff for Software Engineering in Joliet

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$87,888

Monthly Payment$998

Total Interest$31,866

% of Monthly Income13%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$87,888

Monthly Payment$1,720

Total Interest$15,290

Interest Savings$16,576

Colleges in Joliet for Software Engineering

University of St. Francis

private

$36,980/yr

$147,920 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Joliet Junior College

$4,980/yr

Top Employers for Software Engineering in Joliet

Joliet offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Software Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

GoogleMicrosoftAppleAmazonSalesforce

Key Joliet Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Software Engineering Job Titles

Software DeveloperDevOps EngineerQA Engineer

Software Engineering in Nearby Illinois Cities

Chicago, IL

$96K starting · COL 109

98 colleges

Aurora, IL

$82K starting · COL 92.8

7 colleges

Naperville, IL

$90K starting · COL 102

13 colleges

Rockford, IL

$79K starting · COL 90

8 colleges

Elgin, IL

$70K starting · COL 79

13 colleges

Springfield, IL

$81K starting · COL 92

9 colleges

Peoria, IL

$92K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Waukegan, IL

$79K starting · COL 90.3

4 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Joliet

Prompt Engineering

$54K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$103K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$92K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Data Science

$89K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$92K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$86K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Software Engineering degree outcomes in Joliet, IL: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Software Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Illinois.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Joliet using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Software Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Software Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Software Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Joliet Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Illinois)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Illinois programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "illinois higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Software Engineering Degree in Joliet — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Software Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Joliet.

Software Engineering Overview Colleges in Joliet All Majors