Is Illinois Tech a Good School? An In-Depth Expert Evaluation

As an expert in higher education and college selection, I am often asked – is Illinois Tech a really good school? As a private research university focused on science, tech, engineering and math disciplines, Illinois Tech (also known as Illinois Institute of Technology) is lesser known than some household name schools. However, it still attracts bright, ambitious students seeking a rigorous education connected directly to careers.

In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, we will analyze Illinois Tech‘s overall quality and value across key areas – from academics and research opportunities to career outcomes, admissions selectivity, costs and alumni satisfaction. By weighing detailed evidence and metrics, you can determine if Illinois Tech offers an education aligned to your goals.

Rigorous Academics Rooted in STEM Disciplines

Illinois Tech stands out for academics anchored in technology, data and innovation. With over 70 undergrad degrees spanning science, engineering, architecture, design and business, students gain cutting-edge technical capabilities.

Backed by expert faculty and Chicago‘s thriving industries, Illinois Tech graduates enter in-demand, lucrative STEM careers at strong rates. Let‘s examine the depth of its academic programs.

Majors That Mirror Chicago‘s Tech Economy

The most popular majors directly match Chicago‘s concentrations in tech, computers, data, business and design. Top programs that attract large numbers of students include:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology & Management
• Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
• Architecture and Design

This alignment with the region‘s core industries gives students both robust academic content in emerging tech fields plus proximity for internships and jobs.

Small Classes Powered by Expert Faculty

With a 10:1 student to faculty ratio, Illinois Tech emphasizes personalized, mentor-based learning. Professors possess extensive real-world experience and connections within their fields. Cross-disciplinary studies let students make links across academic specialties for a well-rounded skill set.

Close instructor access and collaborations prepare students to actively define and solve complex problems in whatever industries or roles they pursue after graduating.

Impactful Research Opportunities

Campus research centers and industry partnerships give undergraduates the chance to tackle current challenges and innovate. For example, the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER) and the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science + Engineering enable students to create technologies and solutions with societal and business impact.

Nearly 50 research labs plus affiliations with influential Chicago companies, nonprofits and startups provide a pipeline to experience and networking. Over one-third of students complete faculty-mentored research across all majors.

An Intentional, Tight-Knit Campus Culture

While Illinois Tech focuses foremost on academic intensity, student life brings welcome balance. A coordinated series of programs, communities and events aim to unite students and help them make connections.

Building Community Through Shared Experiences

All freshmen enroll in a First-Year Experience course covering essential skills like time management while forming bonds with peers. Additionally, learning communities organized by major enable students to collaborate on team projects and access mentorship opportunities.

A residential campus housing over 40% of undergraduates fosters tighter social circles. Whether in dorms, Greek life or the 30+ student organizations, Illinois Tech students find spaces to develop friendships and interests beyond pure academics.

Access Chicago‘s Vibrant Arts and Entertainment

The location in Chicago‘s Bronzeville neighborhood enables students to tap into the city‘s rich entertainment, sports, dining and cultural offerings. Public transit makes iconic attractions like the Art Institute, Millennium Park and Lake Michigan accessible breaks from campus academics.

Chicago‘s array of concerts, shows, festivals, restaurants and pro sports offer boundless recreational activities. Illinois Tech students can alternate intense study sessions with world-class urban adventures.

State-of-the-Art Campus to Match Top Facilities

Illinois Tech recently invested over $120 million into campus buildings and infrastructure to equip students with elite resources. The flagship McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC) brings together dining, recreation and event spaces to promote engagement. Academic halls contain advanced labs, collaboration technology and spaces mirroring modern workplaces.

Specialized Architecture and Engineering Facilities

The College of Architecture relocated to the striking remake of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s 20th century campus in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. These historic buildings have been reinvented with digital fabrication labs, woodshops, metal shops and 3D printing studios for cutting-edge design techniques.

For engineering students, the Galvin Center and Microgrid Lab enable working directly on robotics, autonomous systems, smart grids and other innovations with faculty who lead these industries.

Competitive Athletic Facilities

At the Philip H. Corboy Memorial Sports Center, Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks teams can practice and compete in a wide range of sports. Basketball and volleyball venues plus a pool, fitness rooms, running track and tennis courts let students stay active.

With 17 men’s and women’s teams from cross country to lacrosse to table tennis, students can get involved either recreationally or at a high-performance varsity athlete level.

Strong Employment Outcomes and Chicago Connections

A degree from Illinois Tech pays off with advantageous career placements and earning potential. Hands-on learning and ties to Chicago companies help graduates launch quickly into tech positions.

Career Preparation Woven into Academics

From freshman year, programs likePathways prepare students for securing internships and jobs. Services include resume workshops, interview practice and access to employer events. Crucially, students gain networking exposure to the many Illinois Tech partners seeking young talent.

Another signature initiative, Programs for Interdisciplinary and Industrial Internships (PIII), incorporates full-time, paid internships directly into sophomore and junior year course curriculums. Students thus build professional experiences and relationships before even reaching graduation.

High Employment Rates with Lucrative Salaries

Within 6 months after graduation, 90% of undergraduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees – a placement rate far surpassing national averages. Early access to local employers through initiatives like PIII pay dividends.

In their first 5 years out, graduates earn a median salary of nearly $70,000, demonstrating excellent return on investment for degrees anchored in technology and data science. Across degree types, Illinois Tech alumni outpace market wages.

Influential, Engaged Network of Alumni

Numbering over 100,000 worldwide, university alumni actively advocate for students to secure internships and full-time roles. As leaders across STEM industries, especially in Chicago‘s tech sector, they provide insider opportunities.

Notable graduates have founded innovative companies or risen to executive roles at Boeing, Oracle, Yelp and other firms seeking Illinois Tech talent. By tapping this network, students gain invaluable mentors and sponsors.

Selective Admissions Seek Dedicated STEM Students

Gaining admission to Illinois Tech involves meeting high academic expectations, reflecting its rigorous programs. Applicants should demonstrate quantitative strengths and motivation for technical subject matter.

Strong Grades in Math and Science Courses

While admitting students from diverse educational backgrounds, Illinois Tech emphasizes preparedness for college-level calculus, physics and other foundation STEM courses. Competitive applicants excel at math, science and technology classes in high school.

Admitted students typically carry a high school GPA of 3.6 or better in academic subjects, showing the ability to excel across rigorous course loads. Success in AP/IB classes also demonstrates readiness for fast-paced quantitative studies.

Standardized Test Scores in Line with Selective Schools

The middle 50% of enrolled freshmen score between 27-32 on the ACT or 1300-1440 on the SAT. Compared nationally, these ranges fall short of elite Ivy League expectations but surpass many public universities.

Applicants should aim for ACT math and science subsection scores of 28-33 to prove quantitative competencies. Therefore, Illinois Tech attracts students below top-tier schools but still highly capable in technical disciplines.

Unique Portfolios for Architecture and Design

Prospective architecture and design majors complete specialized portfolio requirements showcasing their creative talents. This allows faculty to assess studio skills fundamental to these visual fields beyond purely academic metrics.

Portfolios carry significant weight, as creating engaging, innovative designs requires artistic vision just as much as technical abilities. Competitive applicants demonstrate their creative identities.

Costs and Financial Aid on Par with Private Universities

As a private college lacking state funding, Illinois Tech‘s tuition falls on the pricier end, similar to other private schools with specialized STEM programs. However, generous financial assistance makes degrees cost-comparable to quality public options for many admitted students.

Tuition Lower Than Elite Private Institutions

Illinois Tech‘s 2023-2024 tuition rate stands at $48,624 including fees, less than half the rate at top-tier privates like MIT or CalTech. Costs stay significantly below smaller peer schools like RPI as well. So while high compared to public universities, pricing aligns to value.

When incorporating average room, board and other expenses, the estimated annual budget totals around $68,000. Prospective students should realistically budget for this level of investment in their education.

Over 90% of Students Receive Aid and Scholarships

To help offset sticker prices, Illinois Tech provides substantial financial assistance including grants, loans, work-study and scholarships. In fact, 93% of enrolled undergraduates get some level of aid.

The average package award comes out to around $36,000, making net costs more affordable for families. By filing FAFSA forms plus Illinois Tech financial aid submissions, prospective students stand strong chances to receive combinations of merit and/or need-based assistance.

Alumni Find Career Success and Personal Fulfillment

Surveys of graduates and industry hiring data confirm Illinois Tech degrees deliver on their career investment and preparation promises. Alumni enjoy ample job opportunities, strong salaries and satisfaction with their experiences.

Lucrative Salaries from Top International Employers

Early and mid-career salary statistics reveal powerful earnings potential from an Illinois Tech education, especially in technical and business management roles. Within 5 years out, 75% of alumni make over $70k annually across all majors.

Top global firms like Amazon, Boeing, Cisco, Deloitte, Google, Microsoft and others actively recruit graduates for critical positions. This demonstrates job market demand for the highly specialized, tech-centric skill sets built by Illinois Tech programs.

Graduate School Acceptance and Completion

For students pursuing higher academics post-graduation, Illinois Tech underpins success in gaining prestigious research and PhD spots. Around 15% of alumni continue directly into graduate studies at schools like Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Michigan and Berkeley.

These Master‘s and Doctorate outcomes result from the rigorous quantitative coursework and faculty mentorship cultivating advanced intellectual capabilities. Graduate admissions committees recognize Illinois Tech graduates possess vital foundations for high-level scholarship.

Strong SatisfactionScores from Alumni

Surveys of alumni 5 and 10 years out reveal over 90% satisfaction rates with their Illinois Tech experiences, comparable to top-rated programs. Graduates endorse the real-world competencies gained for employment along with the close community enabling impact and personal growth.

By powering grads to find both career prosperity and interpersonal connections, Illinois Tech earns loyalty along with positive referrals to prospective students from alumni.

In closing, Illinois Tech deserves consideration as a quality option for motivated students aiming for technology or engineering careers. By scrutinizing detailed metrics and outcomes, we determine Illinois Tech delivers excellent specialized education, hands-on learning, faculty mentors and career results in technical fields.

While perhaps not a famous household name, its Chicago location and networks enable strong connections to technology employers. Graduates earn salaries and roles matching – if not exceeding – many Ivy League peers.

Ultimately, students prioritizing academics rooted in innovation, research and technology can find their niche and thrive at Illinois Tech. For driven STEM scholars, Illinois Tech checks all the boxes as a good school.