Illinois Institute of Technology

IIT’s 50+ undergraduate majors are unapologetically technical, with engineering, computer science, and architecture dominating the curriculum. The most popular programs include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Aerospace Engineering, alongside niche offerings like Industrial Technology and Cybersecurity. Graduate programs (60+ options) emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration—think AI paired with law or sustainable design with business. The workload is notoriously intense: Quora reviews warn to 'get ready to study really hard,' and the lack of a robust sports culture underscores the academic focus.

• Standout feature: The campus itself is a living classroom for architecture students, designed by Mies van der Rohe and dubbed a 'masterpiece' by The Princeton Review.
• Teaching style: Small class sizes (student/faculty ratio of 13:1) foster close mentorship, particularly in research and lab-based courses.

This is not a party school. Reddit users describe IIT as 'small, less party-oriented'—perfect for students who prefer robotics clubs over tailgates. The South Side location provides easy access to Chicago’s internships and cultural scenes, but campus life revolves around academic clubs (esports, urban farming, dance) rather than Greek life. Housing is guaranteed, and the compact, walkable campus (praised for its 'convenience') fosters tight-knit communities among STEM grinders. Diversity is a strength, with active LGBTQ+ groups and international students contributing to a global vibe.

• Quirks: The Bog (a student-run game room) stays open until 10 pm, offering respite for late-night study breaks.
• Vibe: 'Historic but forward-looking,' per Niche reviews, with a mix of Miesian minimalism and student-led cosplay events.

IIT delivers on its career-prep promise: Median earnings six years post-graduation hit $70,803, far surpassing national averages. The university reports that 95% of graduates with known outcomes land jobs or pursue advanced degrees within six months, with STEM majors commanding especially high starting salaries. Debt at graduation averages $28,440—manageable given the earning potential. The 4-year graduation rate is solid but not stellar (59%), suggesting some students stretch degrees to accommodate co-ops or research.

• Employer pipeline: Chicago’s tech and engineering firms (Motorola, Boeing) actively recruit on campus.
• Alumni network: Tight-knit and industry-specific, particularly in engineering and architecture.

At $77,568 sticker price, IIT is expensive, but 66.99% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $25,001. Merit scholarships are generous, with 100% of students getting some form of grant aid (average award: $28,297). The university meets 100% of demonstrated need, though aid packages lean heavily on institutional grants rather than federal loans. Use the Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate—just don’t expect much sympathy from alumni who insist the ROI justifies the cost.

• Pro tip: IIT’s rolling admissions means earlier applicants may snag better aid packages.

IIT is Chicago’s pragmatic tech workhorse—less flashy than MIT or Caltech but fiercely practical, with a curriculum designed to turn out employable engineers and architects. Its Mies-designed campus is a modernist marvel, and its urban location provides unmatched access to internships. The student body self-selects for seriousness: If you’re the type who’d rather debug code than attend a football game, you’ll find your people here. Just brace for the workload—this is a place where 'sleep deprivation is a badge of honor,' as one Quora user quipped.