Illinois Institute of Technology ranks #1 in Illinois and #22 in the U.S. for graduate salaries (Wall Street Journal/College Pulse, 2026).
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a university in Chicago that focuses on technology, innovation and preparing students for their careers.
The university is known for its programmes in engineering, computer science, architecture, business and design. Students apply what they learn through practical projects, develop skills for the workplace and build connections with industry. Studying in Chicago also gives them access to cultural experiences and professional opportunities across the city.
On campus, students are part of a supportive community where they can collaborate, explore new interests and grow both academically and personally.
Students who successfully complete the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at University Foundation College (UFC) in Qatar benefit from guaranteed progression to bachelor’s degree programmes at Illinois Institute of Technology (subject to meeting the entry requirements) and gain access to world class education and career opportunities.
Life at Illinois Institute of Technology
Student life at Illinois Tech combines the support of a close campus community with the energy of Chicago. Students can join a wide range of clubs and cultural groups, take on leadership roles, get involved in sports and attend campus events. These activities give students opportunities to meet people who share their interests, build lasting friendships and develop skills beyond the classroom.
Studying in Chicago gives students access to professional opportunities, cultural experiences and recreational activities across the city. They can explore what Chicago has to offer alongside their studies and discover new interests along the way. On campus, students from different backgrounds learn from one another, work together and find the support they need to grow academically and socially.
Career readiness is a core focus at Suffolk University. The dedicated team at the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success supports international students in preparing for and achieving their professional goals—whatever path they choose.
With strong connections to Boston’s key industries and a wide-reaching presence across the university, the career team is uniquely positioned to help students identify their interests and take strategic steps toward their ideal careers. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to pursue your dream job, Suffolk’s expert guidance will help you succeed.
Illinois Tech is based in Chicago, a city known for its architecture, museums and food, as well as its thriving business and technology sectors. The university’s historic Mies Campus is in Bronzeville, just a few minutes south of downtown. From campus, students can easily reach the Loop, the Lake Michigan waterfront and some of the city’s main cultural and business districts.
Chicago has one of the largest public transport systems in the United States. The CTA ‘L’ trains serve much of the city, while Metra trains connect Chicago with its suburbs. Students can explore nearby neighbourhoods such as the South Loop, Hyde Park, Bridgeport and Chinatown, each with its own history and character. With so much within reach, students can get to know Chicago’s diverse communities and experience city life alongside their studies.
Illinois Tech offers a range of services to help students with their studies, personal wellbeing and university life. The Office of Student Affairs advocates for students and helps them find support both in and outside the classroom. Students can turn to the Care Hub and use the university’s academic support resources. The Student Support Team also helps connect students who are facing difficulties with the right assistance.
The Office of Global Services helps international students settle into life at Illinois Tech and provides guidance on immigration, study abroad and related matters. Students can also access health and wellbeing services, including counselling resources and confidential guidance. The Support Desk helps with technical and administrative questions, giving students a place to turn when they need practical assistance.
Illinois Tech’s Office of Residence Life helps students find accommodation on campus, with options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartments. The university has nine residence halls, giving many students the opportunity to live in a supportive community with space to study and get to know other students.
Accommodation options include Carman Hall, McCormick Student Village, Jeanne and John Rowe Village, and Gunsaulus Hall. Graduate students can also apply for accommodation, subject to availability. The residences are close to classrooms, the McCormick Tribune Campus Center and the Keating Sports Center, making it easy for students to get to class, use campus facilities and take part in university life. Students who prefer to live off campus can use Illinois Tech’s dedicated housing portal to browse verified listings nearby. Both options give students a place to settle in while staying connected to the university and life
Illinois Tech’s historic Mies Campus in Chicago brings together teaching buildings, residence halls, laboratories, a library and spaces for student activities. Campus landmarks include S. R. Crown Hall, the John T. Rettaliata Engineering Center, the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, and the Robert A. Pritzker Science Center. These facilities give students space to apply what they learn, work together on projects and explore new ideas in technology.
Students can stay active at the Keating Sports Center, swim at Ekco Pool or take part in sports at Stuart Field. The university also uses other training venues across Chicago. Illinois Tech continues to invest in its facilities, bringing modern teaching and research spaces together with the historic architecture that gives the campus its character.
Students at Illinois Tech can compete in university sports, join campus leagues or take part in recreational activities. The university’s teams, known as the Scarlet Hawks, compete in NCAA Division III in sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, football, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Students can also play cricket or flag football, try martial arts or take part in yoga.
Illinois Tech has more than 150 student groups and organisations, including cultural clubs, academic societies, professional associations and groups built around shared interests. Joining a group gives students the chance to meet people, build friendships and take on leadership roles. Through sports and clubs, students can pursue their interests and feel more connected to the campus community.
Illinois Tech’s Office of Campus Energy and Sustainability leads projects to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and involve the campus community in sustainability. The Mies Campus is home to around 2,000 trees and is accredited as the Alphawood Arboretum. It serves as a living laboratory where students and researchers can study climate and urban forestry.
Through the Waste to Wonder project, Illinois Tech composts food waste. The university also runs events to raise awareness of sustainability and continues to recycle, upgrade existing buildings and improve how it uses energy across campus. Illinois Tech’s College of Architecture has received national recognition for designs that aim for zero net energy use, reflecting the university’s commitment to sustainable building. These efforts make sustainability part of how Illinois Tech runs its campus, what students learn and how they get involved.
Discover a wide range of bachelor’s degree programmes at Illinois Institute of Technology, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.