Illinois Tech has been recognized as an “Opportunity College and University” in new ratings by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This classification underscores Illinois Tech's notable performance in educational access and post-graduation outcomes, establishing the institution as a model for fostering student success.
Among the 10 Opportunity Colleges and Universities in Illinois, Illinois Tech emerges with the highest eight-year median earnings and earnings ratio. Illinois Tech's graduates earn nearly twice as much as their peers, with an average median earning of $77,282 and an earnings ratio of 1.94.
“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,” stated Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “Our community is driven by an unwavering commitment to empowering every student to achieve transformative success, both academically and professionally.”
As a private university with a public mission, Illinois Tech focuses on making higher education accessible, prioritizing students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. The university has developed robust support systems for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students, integrating academic support, career preparation, and a sense of belonging into their educational strategy. The university's "student-first" initiative is a major component of this strategy, which includes initiatives like Elevate and a comprehensive advising model, enhancing student engagement, retention, and initial post-graduation outcomes.
The Carnegie classification reviews access by assessing the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients and students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and compares it to a similar demographic in the surrounding area. It also evaluates earnings by analyzing salaries of students eight years post-enrollment and compares them with those holding at least a high school diploma.
The newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification examines institutional effectiveness in enrolling students from the communities they serve and ensuring graduates can earn competitive wages. Only 16 percent of higher education institutions received the Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation. Illinois Tech is among only five institutions in the country, focused on technology, engineering, and sciences, awarded this recognition.
“Experiential learning is at the heart of an Illinois Tech education,” said Mallik Sundharam, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. “Through hands-on experiences, our students graduate with both the knowledge and practical skills that employers seek. This is clearly demonstrated through our flagship Elevate program, which guarantees students access to real-world learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and study abroad experiences. This recognition affirms what we see every day: Illinois Tech students are career-ready upon graduation, achieving impactful outcomes and transforming their lives through education.”