Marco - Simple answer yes… the “real” answer as to which is “better” has too many variables IMHO to say that in all cases, and for all people, NU is better - but for my kids the answer was yes - and NU cost less out of pocket thanks to grants from NU and not much money available from UIUC.
My older NU alum had narrowed down the college choices between NU and UIUC. So she talked to a Prof at NU - who is now a Dept Chair - & he said that he went to UIUC for undergrad and NU for grad school - and liked the NU atmosphere better, with smaller class size and lower prof to student ratio. She decided that was right for her too, and her brother followed along 5 years later…
But what really separates NU from most other engineering schools is the Engineering First program: http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate/core-curriculum/engineering-first.html
It’s an opportunity for all NU engineering freshmen to help solve real world problems - for real people. Me and wife were fortunate to see our kids - and all the other freshman projects - and were completely impressed by the products and presentations of all the students.