Neither Intel, nor Yahoo, nor Qualcomm appear to be hiring FTE's in Champaign (although I found an Intel temp position). Obviously, I didn't look very hard though.

I don't doubt that there's a small constellation of UIUC-affiliated tech startups around Champaign, though the same thing exists in A2, in Austin, and in RTP. The benefit of A2 over Champaign is that you are almost guaranteed freelance (or FTE) work outside the school. I don't think Champaign is a safe career choice compared to A2, RTP, or even Pittsburgh.

Sorry, it's a message board, I didn't mean to piss at you.