<p>Illinois Engineering is held in very high esteem nationally. Not that Iowa is a poor or inferior choice. Incidentally, the best Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace, Civil) in Iowa is Iowa State University, which also has somewhat of a national reputation, particularly in Aerospace Engineering.</p>
<p>That being said, you probably won’t be hurt in the job market by graduating with a degree from UIowa, as far as engineering goes. Particularly if you plan to reside in the midwest. And graduating with minimal debt is a big plus.</p>