About Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Tech specializes in turning engineering and technology students into industry leaders through hands-on programs and deep Chicago connections. The university enrolls 2,812 students on its urban campus, where future engineers work alongside faculty who understand real-world applications. Notable graduates include Martin Cooper, who invented the cell phone, and Fazlur Rahman Khan, the structural engineer behind the Willis Tower. Students here don't just study technology, they live it in one of America's great industrial cities.
The financial picture looks promising for tech-focused students. While sticker price reaches $69,491, most students pay an average net price of $19,353 after aid. Graduates typically earn $82,592 within ten years of graduation, making the median debt of $25,000 quite manageable with monthly loan payments around $265. The 93.9% employment rate reflects strong demand for Illinois Tech graduates in engineering and technology fields.
The student body skews male at 66.82%, typical for tech-focused institutions. With a 61.44% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1315, admission remains competitive but accessible for solid students. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in rigorous programs that prepare graduates for Chicago's thriving technology sector.
The financial picture looks promising for tech-focused students. While sticker price reaches $69,491, most students pay an average net price of $19,353 after aid. Graduates typically earn $82,592 within ten years of graduation, making the median debt of $25,000 quite manageable with monthly loan payments around $265. The 93.9% employment rate reflects strong demand for Illinois Tech graduates in engineering and technology fields.
The student body skews male at 66.82%, typical for tech-focused institutions. With a 61.44% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1315, admission remains competitive but accessible for solid students. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in rigorous programs that prepare graduates for Chicago's thriving technology sector.
Academics & Faculty
Illinois Institute of Technology specializes in engineering and technology education, producing graduates who earn a median salary of $82,592 within ten years. The university's strength lies in its hands-on approach to STEM fields, with programs in computer science, engineering, and architecture that connect directly to Chicago's tech and construction industries. Students work closely with faculty through a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The 73.76% four-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of technical coursework, though students who persist benefit from strong industry partnerships. IIT's legacy includes alumni like cell phone inventor Martin Cooper and Willis Tower designer Fazlur Rahman Khan, demonstrating the school's impact on technological innovation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.4%
- Retention Rate
- 86.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $82,592
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $99,683 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $90,856 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $90,412 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Master | $83,546 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $83,177 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,971 |
| Chemistry. | Master | $74,200 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $73,949 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $73,949 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $70,680 |
Campus Life
The 2,812-student campus sits just minutes from downtown Chicago, giving tech-focused students easy access to internships and jobs. With housing for 1,722 students, about 60% live on campus in a tight-knit community where the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Chicago winters demand serious winter gear, but the Hawk spirit keeps students active through 19 varsity sports and strong intramural programs.
The male-heavy student body (67% men) creates a collaborative atmosphere where students bond over late-night problem sets and hackathons. IIT's location in Bronzeville puts you in a historically significant neighborhood undergoing revitalization. Weekends often involve exploring Chicago's tech scene, attending Scarlet Hawks games, or working on team projects that mirror real industry challenges. The campus feels like a launching pad rather than an ivory tower, with students constantly networking and building connections that lead to the school's impressive 94% employment rate after graduation.
The male-heavy student body (67% men) creates a collaborative atmosphere where students bond over late-night problem sets and hackathons. IIT's location in Bronzeville puts you in a historically significant neighborhood undergoing revitalization. Weekends often involve exploring Chicago's tech scene, attending Scarlet Hawks games, or working on team projects that mirror real industry challenges. The campus feels like a launching pad rather than an ivory tower, with students constantly networking and building connections that lead to the school's impressive 94% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,722 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1940
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Illinois Institute of Technology draws serious tech students who want to stay close to Chicago's innovation scene. With 59% of students from Illinois, IIT has built a solid regional reputation among families who value its engineering programs and industry connections. The student body skews male at 67%, reflecting the tech-heavy curriculum that has produced legends like cell phone inventor Martin Cooper. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing IIT attracts ambitious students from working-class backgrounds who see technology as their path to six-figure careers in the Windy City.
- Men
- 66.8%
- Women
- 33.2%
- White
- 34.1%
- Black
- 4.7%
- Hispanic
- 25.0%
- Asian
- 16.5%
- In-State Students
- 59.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.1%
Location
Illinois Institute of Technology sits in Chicago, Illinois, the nation's third-largest city. The campus occupies 120 acres in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side, just three miles from downtown Chicago's Loop district. This puts students in the heart of a major metropolitan area with 2.7 million residents and countless internship opportunities. The urban setting offers access to strong museums, architecture, and a thriving tech industry that regularly recruits IIT graduates. The campus blend of historic and modern buildings reflects Chicago's architectural heritage. Students benefit from the city's extensive public transportation system connecting them to internships and cultural attractions throughout the metro area. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Illinois Institute of Technology with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60616
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $82,592
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $86,006
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $60,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Illinois Institute of Technology?
IIT accepts 61.44% of applicants with average SAT scores of 1315. The school draws serious engineering and technology students who value hands-on learning over prestige hunting.
How much does Illinois Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,353 despite the $51,763 sticker price. Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments of $265.
What is Illinois Institute of Technology known for academically?
IIT specializes in engineering and technology programs with deep Chicago industry connections. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in rigorous STEM coursework.
What are the job outcomes for Illinois Institute of Technology graduates?
Graduates achieve a 93.9% employment rate with median earnings of $82,592 ten years after graduation. The school's Chicago location and industry partnerships create strong career pipelines in technology and engineering.
Where is Illinois Institute of Technology located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Chicago with housing for 1,722 students out of 2,812 total enrollment. Students balance intensive academics with 19 varsity sports as the Scarlet Hawks in NCAA Division III.
Does Illinois Institute of Technology have notable alumni in technology?
IIT claims Martin Cooper who invented the cell phone and Ray Kroc who founded McDonald's. The school's 1940 founding coincided with America's technological boom, establishing its reputation for producing industry innovators.
