Illinois institute of Technology
Illinois, United States
Founded1890
Campus120 acres
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Illinois Institute of Technology, known as Illinois Tech, is a private, technology-focused research university located in Chicago. Founded in 1890 as the Armour Institute, it merged with the Lewis Institute in 1940 to form the current institution. It holds the distinction of being the only technology-focused university in Chicago and is a member of the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU).
The university is dedicated to advancing technology and innovation through a diverse range of disciplines. It is organized into seven major colleges and institutes, including the Armour College of Engineering, the Chicago-Kent College of Law, and the Institute of Design. Its mission is supported by the "Power the Difference" campaign, a $1 billion fundraising initiative aimed at further driving technological advancement.
Location
The university operates four primary campuses within the Chicago metropolitan area. The 120-acre Mies (Main) Campus is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood and is home to the National Historic Landmark S. R. Crown Hall. Professional and specialized education is conducted at the Conviser Law Center in downtown Chicago, the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus in Wheaton, and the Moffett Campus in Bedford Park, which houses the Institute for Food Safety and Health.
In addition to its domestic presence, Illinois Tech is expanding its global footprint. It is the first American university approved to establish an independent, degree-granting campus in India, with Illinois Tech Mumbai scheduled to open in fall 2026. The university also maintains a significant online presence through partnerships with platforms like Coursera.
Chicago, United States
Also in: Chicago, United States · Wheaton, United States · Mumbai, India
Campuses
Mies Campus
MainChicago· United States
Conviser Law Center
Chicago· United States
Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus
Wheaton· United States
Illinois Tech Mumbai
Mumbai· India
Campus Culture
Illinois Tech hosts a diverse student body representing over 115 countries, fostering a global campus community. Student life is active with more than 150 student organizations and 10 Greek chapters. The university also supports 17 NCAA Division III athletic teams, providing opportunities for competitive sports alongside academic pursuits.
The university provides robust support services to ensure student success, including the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for peer tutoring and a dedicated Student Health and Wellness Center. For international students, the English Language Services (ELS) program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, assisting with language proficiency and integration into the academic environment.
Rankings
Illinois Tech is highly regarded for its economic impact and the career success of its graduates. It has been ranked #1 in Illinois and #22 in the United States for graduate salaries by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse (2025/2026). Additionally, Opportunity Insights ranked the university #3 in the nation for upward mobility among highly selective private colleges, highlighting its effectiveness in moving students into higher income brackets.
The university's prestige is further reflected in national rankings, including being named a "Best Value School" by U.S. News & World Report and appearing among the top 100 universities in the U.S. according to TIME magazine. It is also recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.
Research
As a premier research hub, Illinois Tech is home to several historic and cutting-edge facilities, including the nation’s first industrial nuclear reactor and its first functional microgrid. The university maintains strategic partnerships with major national laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, facilitating high-level scientific collaboration.
Key research entities include the IIT Research Institute (IITRI), the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, and the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER). The university also operates the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) in consortium with the FDA. A signature of its innovative curriculum is the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program, based at the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, which requires all undergraduates to participate in team-based innovation projects.