Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is experiencing significant growth in both applications and admissions, showing a sustained increase over the past four years. Undergraduate applications increased by 8% and graduate applications by 58% compared to the previous year. At the same time, undergraduate and graduate admissions saw rises of 18% and 66%, respectively.
This growth can be seen as part of a broader trend at Illinois Tech, which has recorded a 36% increase in total enrollment over four years, significantly outpacing the national average for similar institutions. The demand for Illinois Tech's programs is partly attributed to its focus on career readiness, which is designed to prepare students for professional success with practical experiences and strong earnings potential.
Mallik Sundharam, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, stated, “Illinois Tech’s sustained momentum underscores our commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.”
Particularly driving this demand is the Stuart School of Business, which saw a 245% increase in undergraduate applications. This rise is largely due to the innovative Tech+ program, which offers students an interdisciplinary educational path by combining business with fields like engineering and IT.
Illinois Tech's enrollment strategy emphasizes not just growth in student numbers but also a robust system of student support and career preparation. The university has implemented the “Student-First” initiative and the Elevate program to ensure student engagement and success.
The university has received recognition as an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This classification highlights the institution's commitment to access and favorable earnings outcomes for its graduates. Sundharam commented, “This important national recognition reaffirms what has been at the heart of Illinois Tech’s mission for more than 130 years: education as a true engine of opportunity.”
The flagging career-focused Elevate program at Illinois Tech provides students with guaranteed access to internships and real-world learning experiences to enhance their resumes. Sundharam remarked, “We focus on student success before, during, and long after their time here.”
Based in Chicago, Illinois Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and emphasizes ensuring that students gain valuable hands-on experience and mentorship.