Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Illinois Institute of Technology sample of a prestigious private non-profit higher education institution. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) located in the United States began its academic activity since 1890. The main buildings of the university are located in the city of Chicago.

 From all directions the most prestigious is the faculty that produces engineers. This educational direction of the institute currently takes 329 lines of ranking of the best world universities.

Valentina Nikitina

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

What advice would you give to students aiming for top U.S. universities, with 3-4 years to prepare?

This period is perfect for assessing capabilities and exploring options of universities. Focus on achieving high grades and improving English proficiency. Strong English skills enhance your learning experience, and good grades can lead to scholarships or honors college admissions.

IIT offers a signature mentoring and career development program, Elevate, which helps students realize their professional potential through internships, research, competitions, and retreats. The staff of the department provide one-on-one academic, career mentoring to help students achieve the best results.

IIT consists of several specialized colleges-faculties:

• Engineering
• Jurisprudence
• Architecture
• Computer Engineering,
• Design
• Science, literature,
• Business.

The Institute has several research centers engaged in research in the following areas:

• Sustainable energy,
• Innovation, technical entrepreneurship,
• Food Safety, Health,
• Biomedical sciences, technology.

Some interesting facts about IIT:

• The SR Crown Hall building, home to the College of Architecture, is a National Historic Landmark and considered by many to be one of the iconic buildings designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
• In the fall of 2024, Illinois Tech opened more than 34,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab space at the Fulton Labs Innovation Center in Chicago. The institute was the first institution to join Fulton Labs, which is also home to Portal Innovations and the Chan Zuckerberg BioHub.
• The main campus is an accredited arboretum.

By the standards of the United States, this institution can not be considered large. Knowledge is obtained only 8,000 students in all directions. At the same time, 50% of students are foreign subjects, which once again confirms its popularity in the academic environment.

Teachers in the institution there are about 550 people. All students have the opportunity to participate in the international exchange program. Nuances related to the provision of educational services in this institution are covered in the pages of the university in social networks.

Institutional library allows you to replenish knowledge during education. A hostel is provided to all those in need .

This higher educational institution is a member of such associations as AITU and NAIA.

IIT students actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, developing their talents and implementing ideas in a circle of like-minded people. There are dozens of thematic clubs on campus, events and sports competitions are regularly organized, and social activities are organized.

Thematic clubs bring together students who have the same interests. The list is extensive:

• Fine Arts, Painting,
• Chess
• Chinese Students Association,
• Cosplay,
• Cookery
• Comedy improvisation and much more.

Sports sections are taught at the amateur and professional levels, providing students with the opportunity to receive awards for victories in intercollegiate competitions. For those who would not like to create a career in sports, outdoor yoga classes, master classes in dance, Pilates and other areas are held. The main competitive sports in the IIT are:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming, diving,
• Tennis
• Athletics
• Volleyball.

Esports occupies an important place in the activities of the institute - teams in competitive computer games participate in high-level tournaments. In this leisure area, not only excellent conditions for training are provided, but also scholarships.

• No1 in the state in terms of graduate salaries – Wall Street Journal 2025,
• One in 16% of U.S. universities on the list of "institutions of opportunity"
• No29 in the list of the best universities in terms of price-quality ratio,
• Accreditation of the Commission for Higher Education,
• R2 classification: "High research activity",
• The first US university to receive permission to open a campus in India,
• Specialized Career Programs,
• Active extracurricular life.

IIT's main learning area is a mile from the beaches of Lake Michigan and is considered one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States. The institute also owns several specialized academic buildings in Chicago, Wheaton, and Bedford Park, specialized in the scientific areas that are taught there: law, food sciences, technology. The equipment of educational areas includes lecture classes and seminar halls, specialized laboratories, computer rooms, several libraries with reading rooms and many other rooms.

The sports infrastructure is represented by many facilities:

• Sports center with basketball and volleyball courts, swimming pool, fitness center and sports training office,
• Baseball Stadium,
• A football field, also used for lacrosse games,
• 25 indoor tennis courts.

Sports training also takes place in Dunbar Park and the Chicago Lakefront Trail. Thanks to good transport links, students can easily reach them and other public places, many attractions, entertainment centers.

The academic year at IIT consists of two semesters:

• Autumn: August-December,
• Spring: January-May.

There are several sessions during the summer months. Throughout the year, students rest on weekends, on national and international holidays, during seasonal holidays. Academic classes are held on weekdays.

Approximate list of additional costs:

• Registration, administrative fees,
• Accommodation, meal plan and related expenses,
• Contributions to student associations, payment for some extracurricular activities,
• Personal study materials,
• Additional academic opportunities not included in the curriculum,
• Academic Commissions,
• Compulsory health insurance,
• Personal expenses.

Applicants need to fill out a detailed online application form, provide documents and pay the registration fee, after which they will have an interview. Based on its results, the admission committee makes a decision and sends official invitations to study to candidates.

In 2024, 869 new students enrolled in the first year of undergraduate programs.

IIT graduates often become well-known specialists in their scientific fields, almost immediately finding a job or continuing their studies after completing programs. Among them:

• Jack Steinberger, co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics
• Ida M. Flynn – computer scientist, founder of the BSIS program,
• Robert Pritzker - No47 on the list of the richest people on the planet in 2004,
• Martin Cooper – inventor of the mobile phone,
• Virgil Abloh is a fashion designer for Louis Vuitton, Off-White.

The enrollment procedure is based on the successful passing of exams. On average, 60 percent of applicants become full-fledged students. But this indicator varies on different faculties. Two semesters are one academic year. The annual bachelor's program price is 39 000 USD. Master's programs are somewhat cheaper and amount to $ 23,000 . Students experiencing financial difficulties can receive financial assistance from the university. Also for students there is the possibility of remote knowledge acquisition.

Full information about the admission procedure, the tuition fee and scholarships is available on the IIT official website.

Competitive scholarship programs reward students who are especially successful in their studies, sports, and social life of the institute. Scholarships cover part of the cost of tuition for one year and can be extended if the skill level is maintained.

Students can also apply for federal grants and loans to cover costs with financial support. IIT helps with paperwork for Pell Grants, SEOG, State Mayor, and others.

On campus, there is a federal program "Work-Study", which allows students to find a job on campus and cover expenses by working off.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision