Best computer science schools near Illinois?

I'm in Illinois and want to study computer science but prefer staying close to home. What colleges nearby have strong CS programs? I'm open to both public and private institutions.

Sure, there's a number of highly reputable computer science programs in and around Illinois. Here are some you might consider:

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: This university has one of the top-ranked computer science programs nationally. It offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs related to computer science.

2. Illinois Institute of Technology: Locally known as Illinois Tech, it is in Chicago. You might find their hands-on and career-oriented program valuable.

3. Northwestern University: Northwestern, located in Evanston, IL, offers competitive Computer Science programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The school's close proximity to Chicago allows for various networking and internship opportunities.

4. University of Chicago: The UChicago computer science program is known for its strong emphasis on theoretical foundation, creative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary study.

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison: While it's out-of-state, it's quite close to Illinois and has an excellent, well-established computer science program.

6. University of Michigan: UMich is often ranked in the top 10 for computer science nationally. While it's out-of-state, Ann Arbor isn't too far from Chicago and it's definitely worth consideration.

These universities have well-recognized computer science programs and can provide you a solid foundation. Before choosing, it's also important to consider their distinct education philosophies, course structures, and campus culture to find a suitable match for your preferences. Be sure to look into opening days and university tours if possible, to get a better understanding of the campus and culture.