Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1890 through the merger of several smaller institutions, including Armour Institute and Lewis Institute, it has a long-standing reputation for excellence in science, engineering, and technology education. The university's main campus, designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is an architectural landmark and part of Chicago’s cultural heritage. Illinois Tech is known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving, especially in STEM fields.

Illinois Tech offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its five colleges: Armour College of Engineering, College of Computing, Lewis College of Science and Letters, Stuart School of Business, and Chicago-Kent College of Law. The university is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, and sustainability. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and strong connections to Chicago’s tech and business sectors, helping to ensure high rates of employment and career readiness.

Campus life at Illinois Tech is shaped by its diverse and international student body, with students from more than 100 countries. The university promotes hands-on learning through initiatives like the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) program, research internships, and maker spaces. Located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities, students have access to a wealth of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. Illinois Tech fosters a culture of innovation, leadership, and service, aiming to prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Illinois Tech provides a variety of services that enable students to study and live healthily, free of unnecessary burdens. These services extend to academic and financial assistance and life on campus, as well as resources to maintain students' physical and mental well-being.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides peer tutoring to Illinois Tech students in a variety of disciplines. ARC's services are free of charge. 

Access, Card, and Parking Services

Access, Card, and Parking Services manages the production of the HawkCard issued to all students, faculty, and staff, as well as the university's parking services.

Career Services

Career Services provides students with the strategic tools and perspectives to advance their careers through high-quality coaching, expansive experiential-learning opportunities, and a wide industry network supported broadly by the university's worldwide alumni community.

Commuter Student Resources

The Office of Campus Life offers many resources—such as the Commuter Student Association and the Commuter Lounge—that help ease the transition to and from home for those students who don't live on Illinois Tech's campus.

English Language Services

English Language Services (ELS) provides innovative and student-centered English language instruction in all Illinois Institute of Technology colleges for students in various programs, building communication and critical thinking skills in unique, interdisciplinary classroom environments. 

ELS offers language instruction relevant to the academic, personal, and professional needs of the Illinois Tech community, helping international students and scholars develop the communication skills they need for success.

There are several programs and course options for international students to refine their language and communication proficiency.

Galvin Library

The librarians and staff at Illinois Tech’s main library support a broad range of academic programs and are available for online or in-person research assistance. Galvin Library provides reservable study rooms, loans of laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots, and access to full-text e-journals and e-books as well as print resources and much more.

Illinois Tech Bookstore

Located in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center, the Illinois Tech Bookstore sells the textbooks and supplies that students need. You can also show your Scarlet Hawk pride with the various T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more sold at the bookstore. 

International Center

The International Center provides professional support, services, and resources to the Illinois Tech community in matters related to international education and cultural exchange by supporting international students, faculty, and staff as well as

Office of Technology Services

The Office of Technology Services supports all of Illinois Tech's primary technology systems. If you have a technology issue on campus, the OTS Support Desk is always available to help.

Student Health and Wellness Center

The Student Health and Wellness Center provides all Illinois Tech students with health, counseling, and crisis services, in addition to wellness resources.

First Destination

The vast majority of our graduates obtained full-time employment or decided to continue their education through graduate studies. Learn more about the percentages of our graduates employed full-time, part-time, in graduate school, serving in the military, or pursuing volunteer opportunities.

Top Employers

Every year, Illinois Tech graduates self-report their success to Career Services.  Our graduates obtain positions at companies and organizations of all sizes, including start-ups, early-stage companies, and Fortune 500 corporations.

• Accenture
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Boeing
• Lockheed Martin
• Motorola Solutions, Inc.
• Amazon
• ComEd
• Google, Inc.
• Deloitte
• Ford Motor Company
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Relativity
• Exelon Corporation
• General Motors
• Grainger
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Sargent & Lundy
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
• Stantec

Starting Salary

Our graduates earn competitive starting salaries

We provide students with the information they need to understand salary expectations by industry, sector, and geographic location.

• Mean: $63,938 Yearly
• Median: $64,200 Yearly

Employment Locations

Our graduates select positions across the U.S. and the world.

Top Universities

The list below provides a list of universities most often attended by Illinois Tech graduates for graduate school.

• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Northwestern University
• Midwestern University
• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• Columbia University
• Harvard University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• DePaul University
• Northeastern University
• Illinois College of Optometry
• New York University
• The University of Colorado at Boulder
• University of Wisconsin at Madison
• Cornell University
• George Washington University
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University

Degree Types

Illinois Tech graduates are well-positioned to pursue continuing education in a variety of areas.

Fields of Study

An Illinois Tech degree positions graduates for continuing education in a wide variety of STEM-related areas.

Undergraduate Aid

As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures). 

First-Year Domestic Scholarships

All domestic first-year students are considered for the Heald scholarship, an institutional tuition award ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 over four years of undergraduate study. No additional application is necessary to be considered for the Heald scholarship.

The following scholarships are also available to first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Please note that some of these scholarships require a separate scholarship application.

Additional Institutional and Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships

If a student earns one of the institutional scholarships listed below, the highest institutional scholarship awarded will replace the Heald scholarship awarded upon admission. The university will not combine multiple scholarships unless otherwise noted.

Deadline November 15

Camras, Crown, Duchoissois, and Leadership Academy Scholars make up approximately 4-5% of our incoming first-year class each year. Apply under Early Decision I or Early Action I to be considered for these full-tuition scholarships.

• Camras Scholarship
• Crown Scholarship
• Duchoissois Leadership Scholars
• M.A. and Lila Self Leadership Academic Scholars

Deadline January 15

Apply under Early Decision I/II or Early Action I/II to be considered.

• Illinois Tech VEX Robotics Scholarship 
• Illinois Tech FIRST Robotics 
• The Chicago Difference

 Navy ROTC and Service-Based Scholarships

If a student earns one of the scholarships listed below, the highest institutional scholarship awarded will replace the Heald scholarship, which is awarded upon admission. The university will not combine multiple scholarships unless otherwise noted.

• NROTC Preparatory Scholarship
• Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
• Chicago Police and Fire Departments Scholarship

Interest-Based Scholarships

The awards below may be combined with existing Illinois Tech institutional scholarships.

• Illinois Tech Esports Scholarship 
• Alumni Scholarship 
• EDGE Award: The Edge award funds Elevate experiential learning opportunities such as study away, research, internships/co-ops, and more. Students may earn Edge awards by participating in virtual internships and other activities prior to enrolling at Illinois Tech. Learn more about Elevate and Edge awards.

Need-Based Scholarships

To be considered for need-based financial aid at Illinois Tech, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA. Designate "IIT" on the FAFSA with our Title IV code, 001691, so we will receive your electronic Student Aid Report.

In addition to institutional scholarships, students who submit their FAFSA to Illinois Tech also receive on average $34,412 over four years in federal and state grants and institutional need-based scholarships. Students who submit their FAFSA will also be considered for loans and federal work-study.

External Scholarships

Illinois Tech is committed to helping students secure additional funding from outside sources. We regularly add outside scholarships to our Scholarship Opportunities spreadsheet, which can be accessed through the Scholarship Channel on the myIIT portal, which students can gain access to upon admission to the university.

International Undergraduate Student Scholarships

Illinois Tech is committed to enrolling a diverse and talented student body, and we offer institutional scholarships to international students ranging from $40,000-$80,000 over four years of undergraduate study. International first-year and transfer students are eligible for a combination of scholarship and grant packages, including institutional scholarships and Phi Theta Kappa membership. Each application is automatically reviewed for institutional scholarships based on the student’s academic success, involvement in the community, and other achievements. No additional application is required.

Because international students are expected to finance their education for the duration of study at Illinois Tech, international students are required to submit the Financial Affidavit of Support to demonstrate their ability or the ability of an individual or government sponsor to finance their education. Tuition and fees may change each year, but you can view them for the current academic year.

You must demonstrate that you or your sponsor have available finances* to meet the educational and living expenses while you are a student at Illinois Tech.

* Minimum dollar amount may vary based on any institutional scholarships awarded.

Please note: If a student earns multiple Illinois Institute of Technology institutional scholarships throughout the admission process, the university will award the highest institutional award for which the student is qualified but will not combine multiple awards.

Additional Institutional and Donor-Funded Scholarships

M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholars

Application Deadline: November 15 (You must apply under Early Decision I or Early Action I to be considered)

Complete and submit the Leadership Academy Scholarship Application

Named for former University Regent Al Self and his wife, Lila, the M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholarship is a distinguished and prestigious award given to the top applicants to the university who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

Illinois Tech World Robot Olympiad Scholarship

Candidates competing for the Illinois Tech WRO scholarships demonstrate an aptitude for science, technology, and other STEM subjects. WRO scholars are eligible for an institutional scholarship award of $25,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study (five years for architecture).

Dimiter Etimov Scholarship

Bulgarian citizens who are accepted for admission to an Illinois Tech undergraduate program may apply for the Dimiter Etimov Scholarship. Applicants must have graduated from a Bulgarian high school and intend to return to Bulgaria after their studies.

Contact: Professor Alex Nikolov

Online Funding and Scholarship Databases

Fastweb: Searchable database of scholarships

College Scholarships: Fee-based scholarship application service

Funding for United States Study: Database of more than 500 scholarships, fellowships, and grants for international students, organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education

GrantsNet: Database of grants for training in the sciences and undergraduate science education.

International Education Financial Aid: Free searchable database of more than 800 scholarships and awards for international students, most of which are restricted to use at specific universities

InternationalScholarships.com: Comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial aid information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad

InternationalStudent.com: Database of U.S. higher-education institutions awarding scholarships to international students

Organization of American States Leo S. Rowe Fund: This program provides loans of up to $15,000 USD for undergraduate students in their last two years of study or any graduate student; available for citizens of Latin American countries

NAFSA Financial Aid for Undergraduates: This resource provides information primarily for students with nonimmigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.); information for permanent residents of the United States also included

MyCollegeScholarship.org: Advice on how to apply for scholarships

U.S. Department of State—Education USA: Provides support to a network of educational advising/information centers around the world that advise prospective international students and other audiences on higher education and study opportunities in the United States

Foundations

Fellowship Office of Policy and Global Affairs: Administers pre-doctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowship programs in research-based fields of study

The Foundation Center: Fee-based website for institutional grant-seekers

Institute of International Education (IIE): Offers programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals, and trainees from all sectors, with funding provided by government agencies, foundations, and corporations

International Research and Exchanges Board: Offers various scholarships, fellowships, and grants to international students

MacArthur Foundation: Makes grants through four programs: Human and Community Development, Global Security and Sustainability, the General Program, and the MacArthur Fellows Program

Open Society Institute: Administers merit-based grants to international students

Rockefeller Foundation: Offers grants in four program areas: Food Security, Health Equity, Creativity and Culture, and Working Communities

Rotary Foundation: Offers a broad range of humanitarian, intercultural, and educational programs and activities designed to improve the human condition and advance the organization’s ultimate goal of world understanding and peace

Social Science Research Council Fellowship: Provides support and professional recognition to innovators within fields, and especially to younger researchers whose work and ideas will have a longer-term impact on society and scholarship.

International Student Visa Requirement

Most international students who wish to enter the United States for educational purposes will need to apply for a student visa. Degree-seeking international students at Illinois Tech will receive Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa, whereas non-degree-seeking international students (visiting and exchange students) will receive Form DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 student visa.

Students must complete the following steps to receive their immigration documents and receive a visa to study at Illinois Tech. Please note that Canadian citizens have a different process outlined below.

1. Submit the Required Documentation

All students must submit a copy of their passport and a Financial Affidavit of Support Form in order to receive an I-20 or DS-2019. You may upload a copy of your passport and Financial Affidavit of Support Form to your Application Tracker. Upon admission and submission of required documents, I-20s and DS-2019’s are generally processed within five business days.

Students who are currently studying in the United States will need to request a SEVIS transfer release from their current institution before we are able to issue an I-20. SEVIS records can only be available to one school at a time, so students must finish their studies at their current institution before being eligible to transfer their SEVIS record and receive an I-20 from Illinois Tech.

2. Obtain a Form I-20/Form DS-2019

Please make sure that your name, biographical information, and program information are all listed correctly on your I-20 or DS-2019, as this information will be used for the visa stamp in your passport.

3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

All new students must pay a SEVIS fee before the United States Department of State will issue a visa. We recommend paying this fee as soon as you receive your immigration documents to allow sufficient time for the fee payment to be updated in your SEVIS record. Upon payment, you will be issued a receipt that you must bring to your visa appointment.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview

We recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, as interview appointments and visa processing wait times vary by country. The steps of applying for a visa and scheduling an interview vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. You will need the following information to schedule your interview:

Full university name: Illinois Institute of Technology

University address: 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

School Code (for I-20’s): CHI214F00379000

Program Number (for DS-2019’s): P-1-00266

5. Attend Visa Interview

The documents you are required to bring to your visa interview will depend on your location, so you should confirm with your local embassy or consulate what documentation is required. In general, you should prepare to bring the following documents:

• Passport valid for at least six months into the future
• Original Illinois Tech I-20 or DS-2019
• Official Illinois Tech admission letter (included in your I-20 or DS-2019 package)
• Completed and signed visa application forms
• Photograph(s) in the required format • Receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
• Proof of funding sufficient to cover your tuition and living expenses during the first year of your program. You may demonstrate this by providing the original versions of the Financial Affidavit of Support Form and bank statement you submitted to receive your immigration documents.

6. Arrive in the United States

You are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Make sure to carry your immigration documents (passport with visa, I-20 or DS-2019, financial documents) with you in your carry-on luggage. You should report to Illinois Tech’s International Center to check in within two days of arriving in Chicago. If you have an F-1 visa, you will have a “grace period” of 60 days following your program end date to leave the U.S. If you are a J-1 student, you will be required to leave the U.S. within 30 days of your program completion date.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens do not need student visas to study in the U.S.; however, you do need to obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 from Illinois Tech. As soon as you receive your immigration documents you should pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

• When you cross the border to study in the U.S. you will need to provide the officer at the port of entry:
• Valid passport
• Original Illinois Tech I-20 or DS-2019
• Receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
• Proof of funding sufficient to cover your tuition and living expenses during the first year of your program; you may demonstrate this by providing the original versions of the Financial Affidavit of Support Form and bank statement you submitted to receive your immigration documents
• Proof of your ties to Canada