Illinois Tech has introduced a new scholarship initiative, the Illinois Tech Purpose scholarship, which aims to provide zero-tuition scholarships for high-performing students from Illinois. This program covers full-time tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years of undergraduate study or five years for architecture students after other federal and state grants have been applied.
The university's Vice President for Enrollment, Mallik Sundharam, emphasized the institution's commitment to economic mobility and support for future leaders in Illinois. "Our university was founded on a noble mission to provide opportunity for those who may lack financial resources but have the commitment, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to advance technology and innovation for the common good," Sundharam stated.
Eligibility criteria require applicants to be Illinois residents from families with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and possess strong academic records. First-year students must have at least a 3.7 GPA and rank in the top 10 percent of their class. Transfer students need a 3.4 GPA, no more than 61 credits from previous institutions, and must be earning their first bachelor's degree.
The scholarship aims to reduce financial burdens while providing access to additional support services such as advisers, success coaches, peer mentors, tutoring, and career counseling. Sundharam highlighted that "Illinois Tech Purpose is more than just a scholarship" by connecting students with programs like Elevate that offer skill-building opportunities.
A report by the United States Department of Education underscores the importance of comprehensive support services for lower-income students, noting significant barriers they face without such aid.
Illinois Tech has gained recognition for its efforts in assisting lower-income students achieve college degrees. Bloomberg Philanthropies named it an American Talent Initiative High-Flier in 2023 due to its successful practices in recruitment and retention of diverse student backgrounds.
According to Opportunity Insights, Illinois Tech ranks highly both nationally and within Illinois for advancing economic mobility among its graduates. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 report also ranked it #1 in Illinois for graduate salaries.
The scholarship reinforces Illinois Tech's role in creating promising career paths for its graduates through educational access and financial support.