Illinois Institute of Technology has reported a 27 percent increase in student enrollment over the past three years, achieving its highest fall enrollment in more than thirty years. Applications have doubled since fall 2021, with first-year applications increasing by 69 percent over the last three years and by 35 percent since last year. First-year admits have grown by 52 percent over the past three years and by 36 percent since last fall.
This growth positions Illinois Tech as a leader in accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence. The university's enrollment gains are five times the national average of 5 percent and nine times the Midwest’s average of 3 percent over the past three years, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Illinois Tech's graduate enrollment increased by 9 percent since last fall, surpassing national trends. The Stuart School of Business experienced a significant rise in enrollment, with a 73 percent increase since last year.
The university attributes its success to innovative programs like Elevate and experiential learning initiatives such as the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program. These efforts focus on career readiness and provide students with hands-on experiences to develop twenty-first-century skills.
Despite national trends indicating declining numbers of traditional college students due to demographic shifts, Illinois Tech has seen a substantial increase in applications and admits. "We are proud to uphold Illinois Tech’s mission as an opportunity engine that fosters innovation and progress," says Mallik Sundharam, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at Illinois Tech.
For Fall 2024, 39 percent of degree-seeking undergraduate students received Pell Grants designed for low-income households. Of new undergraduates this term, 48 percent received Pell Grants, while 40 percent are first-generation college students.
Programs like Discover+ and Illinois Tech Ascend demonstrate the university’s commitment to broadening access to education. Hispanic and Latino student enrollment has also grown significantly at Illinois Tech, now representing 27.3 percent of full-time undergraduate enrollment—a figure that is three times the national average for four-year nonprofit colleges.
"As someone of Hispanic heritage...I see the great value of giving communities that have been underrepresented...the opportunity to provide that personal and professional transformation," states Provost Kenneth T. Christensen.
Illinois Tech ranks #35 on The New York Times College-Access Index for economic diversity among U.S. colleges and #29 nationally for Best Value Schools according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
"As a private university with a public mission...our role as a national leader in delivering education that is both accessible and transformative," says Sundharam about Illinois Tech's continued demand and growth in enrollment.