12 Reasons Why You Should Choose to Attend Illinois Tech
Three students enjoy the weather outside of The McCormick Tribune Campus Center on Illinois Tech’s Mies Campus.
The short answer? At Illinois Tech, you get the best of both worlds: a leading tech-focused education as part of a small, welcoming community—all located just minutes from the heart of a great global metropolis.
As the only tech-focused university in Chicago, Illinois Tech stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention—and is less than a mile from the beaches of Lake Michigan and a short train ride to world-class museums, mouthwatering foods from around the world, and so much more.
So, why choose a tech school such as Illinois Tech? Here are 12 reasons:
1. Best Value University
Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the region, according to U.S. News & World Report. It is first in the Chicago region for occupational earning power (The Brookings Institution), and third in the nation in upward economic mobility among highly selective private universities (Opportunity Insights). Plus, our undergraduates earn 16 percent more than the national average starting salary, according to graduates.
2. Chicago Culture
A global city on the shores of Lake Michigan with all the culture, community, and entertainment imaginable. Listing all of our world-class restaurants, museums, nightlife, and more would make this post nearly endless! But here’s a taste:
See the American classic Nighthawks at the Art Institute of Chicago, grab Southern soul food at Pearl’s Place Restaurant, and catch a White Sox game in one fun (and busy) day!
3. Career Readiness
Industry-leading corporations such as Google and Lockheed Martin are just two of the countless global, national, local, and startup companies that hire Illinois Tech graduates.
More than 91 percent of Illinois Tech graduates are employed or continue their education within six months of getting their diploma.
4. Guaranteed Internships and Research
Illinois Tech is plugged into the business and organization network, both in Chicago and around the world. Our Elevate program guarantees that every student will take part in outside-the-classroom experiences such as internships, research, competitions, or study away.
5. International Culture
Students from more than 100 countries have called Illinois Tech home. Our student organizations celebrate all cultural backgrounds, hobbies, and majors while sharing experiences, all to create a true home for all.
Check out our Squirrel Club for a smile!
6. Uplifting Students
In 1890 a Chicago minister promised that he could build a school for students of all backgrounds for $1 million. That founding mission remains our focus to this day.
Illinois Tech is first in the state for lifting students from families in the lowest 20 percent of income to the top 20 percent of economic, professional, and entrepreneurial leadership in society, according to Opportunity Insights.
7. World-Renowned Campus
Illinois Tech’s Mies Campus is like no other.
Influential architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had a vision of a modern college community in the heart of Chicago. Live and study in some of the most important buildings in the city—the campus is one of the 200 most important works of architecture in the country, according to the American Institute of Architects.
8. Discover+
Still not sure on what you want to pursue for your future? The Discover+ program takes the pressure off. Students can choose this path and explore courses and programs across Illinois Tech for up to two years before they need to decide on what their future will hold.
Plus, through programs such as Discover+ and Elevate, every student receives a personal plan leading to their best future, supported by a team of academic and career mentors.
9. Tech School at Heart
Technology is infused in everything that we do at Illinois Tech—so much so that our College of Computing, launched in summer 2020, works to infuse computation and data into all academic disciplines across campus.
The university’s Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, the Idea Shop, cutting-edge laboratory spaces, and many more also provide the resources our students need to develop the twenty-first century skills necessary to be the tech leaders of tomorrow.
10. Historic Bronzeville
Mies Campus sits in the heart of Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood just south of the downtown “Loop” neighborhood. In Bronzeville, enjoy a neighborhood that is the hub of jazz and blues music while also exploring the history of civil rights and much more.
11. Financial Support
Our Camras, Crown, and other scholarships help Illinois Tech students enjoy their education without lingering financial worries. Along with other scholarships, 98 percent of students receive financial aid.
12. Outstanding Alums
From Marty Cooper (EE ’50, M.S. ’57), the inventor of the cell phone, to the fashion innovator Virgil Abloh (M.A.S. ARCH ’06), our alumni have left a lasting legacy.
The Illinois Tech community is wide, and our alumni network works to help students find the opportunities they want.