Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a university in Chicago offering study opportunities across technology, engineering, computing, architecture, business, science and other disciplines. Its main campus is located in historic Bronzeville, approximately three miles from Chicago’s downtown Loop.

Illinois Tech combines a technology-focused education with hands-on learning, research and collaboration across disciplines. Students can explore a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and other academic pathways.

Why study in Chicago?

Chicago gives students the opportunity to combine university life with the experience of living in a major international city.

The city supports a broad range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, law, engineering, business and the creative sectors. Illinois Tech’s location close to downtown Chicago gives students access to the city’s academic, cultural and professional environment.

Illinois Tech students also receive a Ventra U-Pass, providing access to Chicago Transit Authority public transportation across the city.

Academic opportunities at Illinois Tech

Illinois Tech’s academic approach is designed to provide strong knowledge within individual disciplines while creating opportunities for students to work across different fields.

Areas of study include:

•⁠  ⁠engineering and applied science;

•⁠  ⁠computing and artificial intelligence;

•⁠  ⁠data science;

•⁠  ⁠architecture and design;

•⁠  ⁠business and analytics;

•⁠  ⁠psychology and the humanities;

•⁠  ⁠law;

•⁠  ⁠biology, chemistry and physics;

•⁠  ⁠health-related fields.

Students can explore undergraduate and graduate programmes according to their academic interests and future career plans.

Combining disciplines through Tech+

One distinctive academic opportunity at Illinois Tech is Tech+, which allows students to combine two industry-aligned areas within a single four-year undergraduate degree.

Tech+ options include combinations such as:

•⁠  ⁠Business and Engineering;

•⁠  ⁠Business and Psychology;

•⁠  ⁠Business and Information Technology and Management.

The programme can be particularly relevant for students who want to combine technological knowledge with business or human-centred disciplines.

Discover+ for students who are undecided about their major

Not every student begins university knowing exactly which subject they want to pursue. Illinois Tech’s Discover+ programme gives incoming students an opportunity to explore different academic interests while completing general education requirements.

With personalised guidance from academic advisers, students can experience different areas of study before identifying an academic and career pathway that suits their interests.

Progressing from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree

Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program provides eligible students with a pathway to connect their undergraduate and graduate studies.

Examples of degree combinations include:

•⁠  ⁠B.S. in Applied Mathematics / M.S. in Computer Science;

•⁠  ⁠B.S. in Biochemistry / Master of Food Safety and Technology;

•⁠  ⁠B.S. in Computer Science / Master of Data Science.

Depending on the pathway, credits from undergraduate study may contribute towards graduate requirements, helping students progress towards an advanced qualification more efficiently.

Practical experience through IPRO

Learning at Illinois Tech extends beyond the classroom. The university’s Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) programme brings together students from different majors to work on real-world challenges.

Projects may involve companies and nonprofit organisations, with students from areas such as engineering, science, business, psychology, technology and architecture collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

The experience is designed to develop skills including teamwork, leadership, creativity, design thinking and project management.

Idea Shop: turning ideas into prototypes

Another example of hands-on learning is the Idea Shop, Illinois Tech’s rapid-prototyping facility.

Students can access equipment including 3D printers and scanners, CNC machinery and laser cutters. The facility can be used for coursework and research as well as students’ own projects.

It provides an environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge by developing physical models, prototypes and new ideas.

Research opportunities

Illinois Tech provides research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through faculty laboratories, university projects and externally supported research programmes.

Students can potentially become involved in research from as early as their first year.

Connections with organisations including Argonne and Fermilab national laboratories, medical schools, technology incubators and other institutions also contribute to the university’s wider research environment.

Campus life at Illinois Tech

Illinois Tech’s residential campus covers approximately 125 acres, with a range of activities available outside academic study. There are more than 200 student organisations, covering interests such as robotics, entrepreneurship, film, music, theatre, dance, journalism, volunteering and Esports.

Students can also participate in NCAA Division III athletics, intramural sports and fitness activities.

The Bog is one of the university’s social gathering spaces. It includes an eight-lane bowling alley, arcade games, billiards, foosball and table tennis, while also hosting activities ranging from karaoke and live music to stand-up comedy.

Illinois Tech alumni and innovation

Illinois Tech has a history of alumni whose work has contributed to developments in technology, engineering and science.

Examples include:

•⁠  ⁠Marty Cooper, inventor of the cell phone;

•⁠  ⁠Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who was part of the team that developed Intel’s Pentium microprocessor;

•⁠  ⁠Lois Graham, the first woman in the United States to earn a doctorate in mechanical engineering;

•⁠  ⁠Marvin Camras, a pioneer in magnetic recording technology;

•⁠  ⁠Jason Tenenbaum, an engineer who worked on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft;

•⁠  ⁠Victor Tsao, founder of Linksys.

These examples reflect the university’s long-standing connection with technology and innovation.

Admission requirements for international students

International undergraduate applicants to Illinois Tech are required to provide academic records and evidence of English-language proficiency.

According to the supplied admissions information, accepted English-language results include   

• IELTS Academic 6.5

•  TOEFL iBT 80 

•  Duolingo 115.

Undergraduate applications can be submitted through the Common Application, with no undergraduate application fee indicated. SAT and ACT scores are listed as optional.

Graduate admission requirements can vary between programmes, so applicants should check the current requirements for their chosen course before applying.

Costs and scholarships

For the 2026–27 academic year, the supplied estimate lists undergraduate tuition at $53,198. Including housing and food, fees and other estimated expenses such as health insurance, books and transportation, the total estimated annual cost of attendance is $79,786.

Illinois Tech also offers merit-based scholarships. According to the supplied information, undergraduate scholarships can reach up to $35,000 per year, while graduate scholarship awards may range from $2,000 to $14,000.

A separate scholarship application is not required, and eligible students may receive scholarship information alongside their admission offer.

Illinois Tech combines technology-focused academic programmes with multidisciplinary study and practical learning opportunities. Programmes such as Tech+, Discover+ and the Accelerated Master’s Program, alongside IPRO, the Idea Shop and research opportunities, give students different ways to shape their university experience.

Its location in Chicago also provides the opportunity to study within a major international city while accessing a broad cultural and professional environment.

How can StudyNet help you?

If you are considering studying at Illinois Tech, StudyNet can support you in exploring programmes, understanding admission requirements and navigating different stages of the university application process. StudyNet Group can help you research study options and consider the programmes that align with your academic interests and future plans.

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