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Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Transforming Lives. Inventing the Future.

1890
Founded
Private research university
Type
2,812
Total Students
3,135
Undergrad
5,699
Graduate
$255M
Endowment
(2023)
$52K
Tuition (In-State)
$52K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
55%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
6-year
87%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Raj Echambadi

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Illinois Institute of Technology

Innovating for the Future: A Chicago Hub for Practical Research & Design.

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) stands as a vibrant private research university in the heart of Chicago, dedicated to a unique blend of practical learning and groundbreaking discovery. Tracing its origins back to 1890, the university was born from the visionary "Million Dollar Sermon" of minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus, who advocated for a school where students would "learn by doing." This ethos, championed by benefactor Philip Danforth Armour, Sr., laid the foundation for the Armour Institute, one of its esteemed predecessors.

In 1940, Illinois Tech officially emerged from the significant merger of the Armour Institute and the Lewis Institute, a pivotal moment that combined their rich traditions of engineering, liberal arts, and science education. This consolidation created a powerhouse of innovation, further enhanced by its close association with modernist architecture through the influential work of Dean Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, whose iconic designs shaped its very campus.

Today, Illinois Tech is recognized as an R2: Doctoral University with high research activity, offering a comprehensive array of programs across architecture, business, design, engineering, industrial technology, information technology, law, psychology, and science. Prospective students seeking an education that emphasizes real-world application, critical thinking, and a vibrant urban experience will find a dynamic environment designed to transform lives and invent the future, true to its motto.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1890, resulting from the merger of the Armour Institute and Lewis Institute.
  • Classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High research activity, demonstrating a strong research focus.
  • Located in Chicago, Illinois, providing a dynamic urban campus on 120 acres.
  • Serves a diverse student body of 6,943, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto: "Transforming Lives. Inventing the Future."
  • Known for its practical "learn by doing" educational philosophy.
  • Historically significant in modernist architecture, with campus designs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Timeline

1890
Minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus delivers his "Million Dollar Sermon," leading to the founding of the Armour Institute.
1893
Armour Institute opens, offering professional courses in engineering, chemistry, architecture, and library science.
1895
Lewis Institute is established, providing liberal arts, science, and engineering courses.
1939
The trustees of Armour Institute and Lewis Institute vote to merge their respective colleges.
1940
The merger of Armour Institute and Lewis Institute is solidified, forming the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Mid 20th century
Becomes closely associated with modernist architecture through the work of its Dean of Architecture Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
🏛️
136 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Illinois Institute of Technology

⚖️

Chicago-Kent College of Law

A notable professional school that merged into Illinois Tech.

🎨

Institute of Design

A distinct professional school that merged into Illinois Tech, contributing to its design programs.

Leadership

Raj Echambadi
President
Elizabeth Hudson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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