Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
Quick Facts
“Transforming Lives. Inventing the Future.”
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
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.
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