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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

Chicago's hub for innovation, blending practical learning with a legacy of architectural and engineering excellence.

Illinois Institute of Technology, a dynamic private research university located in the heart of Chicago, stands as a beacon for aspiring innovators. Classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," Illinois Tech offers a rich tapestry of programs spanning architecture, business, design, engineering, law, psychology, and science. Here, the philosophy of "learn by doing" is not just a motto but a core principle, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges and shape the future through practical application and rigorous inquiry.

This esteemed institution traces its profound history back to an inspiring moment in 1890: the "Million Dollar Sermon" by Chicago minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus. His vision for a school focused on practical, rather than theoretical, learning resonated deeply with Philip Danforth Armour, Sr., leading to the founding of the Armour Institute. In 1940, this legacy was broadened and strengthened through a merger with Lewis Institute, a respected institution established in 1895 that offered a diverse curriculum to both men and women, culminating in the creation of the modern Illinois Institute of Technology.

Today, Illinois Tech continues to build on its foundation of innovation and impact. The university is renowned for its strong association with modernist architecture, notably through the transformative work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who famously designed its campus. With a vibrant student body of 8,834 and an unwavering commitment to its motto, "Transforming Lives. Inventing the Future," Illinois Tech provides an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment for students ready to make their mark in a wide array of cutting-edge fields.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1890, embodying a "learn by doing" philosophy inspired by the "Million Dollar Sermon."
  • ✦A private research university in Chicago, classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity."
  • ✦Offers diverse programs across architecture, business, design, engineering, information technology, law, and science.
  • ✦Historic campus designed by influential modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
  • ✦Serves 8,834 students, fostering a vibrant academic and research-focused community.
  • ✦Operates with a compelling motto: "Transforming Lives. Inventing the Future."
  • ✦Current endowment stands at approximately $0.3 billion, supporting its mission and growth.

Timeline

1890
Chicago minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus delivers the "Million Dollar Sermon," inspiring the founding of Armour Institute.
1893
Armour Institute opens, offering professional courses in engineering, chemistry, architecture, and library science.
1895
Lewis Institute, offering liberal arts as well as science and engineering courses for both men and women, is established.
1939
Trustees of Armour Institute and Lewis Institute vote to merge the two colleges.
1940
A Cook County circuit court decision solidifies the merger, creating the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Mid 20th Century
Becomes closely associated with trends in modernist architecture through the work of its Dean of Architecture Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who designed its campus.
🏛️
136 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Illinois Institute of Technology

⚖️

Chicago-Kent College of Law

A prominent law school that merged into Illinois Tech.

🎨

Institute of Design

A renowned design institute that merged into Illinois Tech.

⚙️

Midwest College of Engineering

An engineering institution that merged into Illinois Tech.

Leadership

Raj Echambadi
President
Elizabeth Hudson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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