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$19,900Tuition
54Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,571Earnings
#5 in IllinoisPrivate nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Morrison Institute of Technology

Morrison Institute of Technology specializes in hands-on technical training for automotive, diesel, and welding careers. The school enrolls just 54 students in rural Illinois, creating an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. Students work directly with industry-standard equipment in small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The program attracts serious trade students ready to dive deep into mechanical skills.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about return on investment. Students pay an average net price of $24,326 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $63,571 ten years after completion. Most students graduate with only $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $127. The employment rate hits 97.4%, meaning nearly every graduate finds work in their field.

This is overwhelmingly a male-dominated environment with men making up 92.6% of the student body. Most students come from Illinois, with 86% choosing to stay in-state for their technical education. The small size means limited housing with capacity for 132 students, but it also creates tight bonds between classmates who often become lifelong professional contacts in the trades industry.

Academics & Faculty

Morrison Institute of Technology specializes in hands-on technical education, focusing primarily on automotive, diesel, and welding programs. The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring students receive intensive, personalized instruction in their chosen trades. With just 54 students enrolled, classes are small and instructors know each student by name. The 66.7% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of technical training, where students must master both theory and practical skills. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application over traditional academics. Students spend most of their time in labs and workshops rather than lecture halls. This approach prepares graduates for immediate employment in skilled trades where hands-on expertise matters more than theoretical knowledge.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
85.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
66.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,571

Campus Life

Morrison sits in rural northwestern Illinois, about 100 miles west of Chicago. The 54 students here focus intensely on hands-on technical training in diesel technology, automotive repair, and welding. With 92.59% male enrollment, this is one of the most male-dominated campuses in the country. The small size means everyone knows each other by name within the first week.

The campus houses up to 132 students in dormitories, though many of the 86.11% in-state students commute from nearby farming communities. Winters require heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. Students spend most of their time in the labs working on engines, transmissions, and fabrication projects rather than traditional classrooms. Weekends often involve trips to nearby Quad Cities for entertainment, about 45 minutes away. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, instructors work closely with students on real equipment from industry partners. The 97.4% employment rate reflects strong connections with local dealerships, repair shops, and agricultural equipment companies that actively recruit graduates.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
132 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–30°F
July Avg
62°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
37.8"
Annual Snowfall
-747.4"

Student Demographics

Morrison attracts students primarily from Illinois and surrounding Midwest states who want hands-on technical training. Men make up over 90% of the student body, reflecting the institute's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like automotive repair, diesel mechanics, and welding. The school serves a working-class population, with 38% of students receiving Pell Grants. Students typically come from rural and small-town backgrounds where these technical skills are highly valued. The tight-knit campus of just 54 students creates an apprenticeship-like atmosphere where everyone knows each other and learns together.
Men
92.6%
Women
7.4%
White
83.3%
Black
0.0%
Hispanic
9.3%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
86.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.2%

Location

Morrison Institute of Technology sits in Morrison, Illinois, about 110 miles west of Chicago. The school operates in a rural-distant setting typical of northwestern Illinois farming communities. Morrison itself has fewer than 4,000 residents and serves as a quiet county seat surrounded by agricultural land. With 86% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with small-town Midwest living. The campus housing capacity of 132 beds accommodates nearly all enrolled students in this tight-knit technical community. The rural location keeps costs manageable while providing hands-on training space for automotive and diesel programs. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Morrison Institute of Technology with similar schools in the region.
Address
Morrison, Illinois 61270-2959

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,571
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,328
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$38,800
Loan Repayment Rate
71.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Morrison Institute of Technology?

The school enrolls just 54 students, creating an intimate technical training environment. Men make up 92.59% of the student body, reflecting the institute's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like automotive repair and welding. Most students are from Illinois, with 86.11% coming from in-state.

How much does Morrison Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?

Tuition runs $19,900 for all students, but the average net price jumps to $24,326 when factoring in room and board. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay less, with net prices around $17,833 to $23,751. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial population from lower-income backgrounds.

What kind of academic experience does Morrison Institute of Technology offer?

The institute operates on a semester system with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical training programs. Students focus on hands-on learning in automotive technology, diesel mechanics, and welding. The small enrollment of 54 students means everyone knows each other and instructors can provide individualized guidance.

How successful are Morrison Institute of Technology graduates in finding employment?

An impressive 97.4% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong industry demand for skilled technicians. Median earnings reach $63,571 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for associate degree holders. The specialized technical training clearly translates into solid career prospects in the trades.

What is campus life like at Morrison Institute of Technology?

The rural Morrison campus houses up to 132 students in dormitories, with room and board costing $8,374 annually. The small town setting provides a focused learning environment away from urban distractions. Students live and learn together in a tight-knit community centered around technical skill development.

Does Morrison Institute of Technology offer good value for student debt?

Graduates typically leave with just $12,000 in median debt, remarkably low for any college program. Monthly loan payments average only $127, making repayment manageable on technician salaries. The 71.72% loan repayment rate demonstrates that graduates earn enough to handle their modest debt loads.