Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL, USA

Reviews

Illinois Institute of Technology

Christian from Elgin, IL

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Students that attend IIT go to study and become future leaders, not to fool around or party. I am currently learning so much from the architecture program. The professors are practicing architects and although I just ended my first semester, I feel like my work is improving a lot! In addition, there's people from all around the world and a lot of student organizations!
Am enjoying being here
Its Chicago so if you like the city, you will love IIT. Its on the South side and next to the White Sox stadium. Theres so much to do! Students here are friendly and nerdy, you will find someone to hang and study with for sure.
Bang for the buck
This place is expensive. About $43,000 a year!!!! The good thing is that every one gets financial aid and this school helps you get a job quck. I had to pay a $3000 loan and that was it for my first semester, but I am really poor so FAFSA helped A LOT.
Tips for prospective students
A tip I would give students is to not go by the name of the school. Evaluate a school by the career you want to have and the opportunities that an institution can give you. Also, if you dont have the money, still apply because you might be surprised by how much financial aid you may receive.
Great for these types of students
I recommend students that live in Illinois and want to pursue architecture to check this school out. Its one of the best in the country, and there is architecture all around, since you are in Chicago. Thats what made me choose the school. Also, you have to be patient, motivated, organized, and very dedicated to your work. Soccer is also a big thing at IIT.

Gwendolyn from Westmoreland, NH

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
IIT is the place to expand your mind literally. The classes are intense, but if you can keep up with the coursework, totally worth it. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! The professors are readily available, always willing to help, and they enjoy talking to students. You really do get the most for your money and time here, but be prepared to spend a lot of time.
Am enjoying being here
IIT is like a small, close-knit community. Everyone, from the other students, to the RAs, even the professors are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. The campus is also a nice mixture of small town feel and big city access. If you want the small, cozy feel of a town, the campus activites and the BOG (the student fun center) are just right for you. If you are more the big city type, there is an EL station right on campus, and a UPass is part of your fees for the year.
Bang for the buck
IIT is worth every penny. The professors I've had don't waste your time and they make sure that you learn what you came there to learn, but be prepared to put in as many hours as they say you'll need to! They aren't kidding. Just make sure you save a little cash for some down time on campus or in the city, fun should go with the studying.
Tips for prospective students
1.) Work hard in high school, but make sure that you take part in some extracurricular activities too. Colleges look at the whole package, and being in an engineering activity or student government could set you above the rest. 2.) Make sure you apply early to the college, I know it helped me. Also, visit the campus. This might be the place for you, or you might want something bigger. IIT is unique in its size, so make sure you check out many options. 3.) Make sure you are willing to put the work in if you want to succeed here. Don't mean to scare anyone, but it is a lot of work. However, if you can do it, trust me, you will find that you have not wasted your time. 4.) If you are going for financial aid, as I did, IIT was wonderful to me. Make sure you apply early and keep an eye out for any forms you still need to fill out. 5.) College can be stressful, but it can also be fun. Make sure you leave time to hang out with friends, meet new people, and relieve stress. Don't make it all work and no play, but don't play all the time and not work either. If you can find that happy medium, you've got it made. Good luck and I hope to see some new faces come Fall!
Great for these types of students
Anyone who loves engineering and science especially. Those academic types. Students willing to work to get what they want. Students who know that hard work pays off. Those who like a close-knit community, a big city atmosphere, or both!

Daniel from Chicago, IL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently a third year business student here a IIT and I love my coursework. It really provides me with a lot of hands on experience rather than sitting in a huge class just listening to a lecture. In several job interviews I have talked about projects I have worked on in class and have impressed my employers by doing so.
Am enjoying being here
Much like anything you do in life, student life is what you make it. If you choose to sit in your room and play video games all day, that is all you will get out of IIT. If instead you choose to get up and join a few organizations (of which there are over 100) you will really enjoy your time here.
Bang for the buck
When I first got accepted into IIT I received a 50% scholarship (which most students receive). Within two years I had increased that to a 100% tuition with an additional $2000 from various scholarships.
Tips for prospective students
Don't worry about the little things. Counselors will work with you to make sure you get everything in on time and if you need some in community college to make yourself more appealing, they will flat out tell you that. The counselors are very friendly and rather than string you along, they will help you in all the ways you need.
Great for these types of students
IIT is great for a ton of different students, but if you dislike the thought of a conversation about the new sci-fi flick coming up this is not the place for you. We cater to many students needs but one universal trait is that we are all nerdy in our own fashions.

jennifer from prairie village, ks

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the illinois institute of technology is a small, close-knit, diverse community of ambitious students from around the world, coming together to enhance society and further develop innovation in the stem field. through specialized classes and hands on experience, the university emphasizes the importance of critical, innovative, and collaborative thinking, as well as problem solving and real life application. just ten minutes south of downtown chicago, the illinois tech brings many opportunities for those looking to innovate the world of technology and develop their knowledge and passion for stem.
Academic Rigor
illinois tech has one of the highest return on investment statistics in the state of illinois. the professors challenge students through critical thinking, real-world problem solving, and hands on practice with the skills that are to be utilized in the fields of engineering, architecture, and other various majors offered at the university.
Dorm Life
with two options of dorm-style life as well as on campus apartment-style housing, students can choose the lifestyle that best fits them. resident advisors are easy to work with, and the staff in the building are helpful and timely.
Food and Dining
with a variety of places on campus and diverse choice of meal plans, illinois tech has options for every student. students have a voice in the food being served, as there are committees and surveys that meet and are taken as to give students the opportunity to change dining services to meet their needs.
Clubs and Activities
with over 150 student organizations, students have the opportunity to get involved as much or as little as they'd like. it only takes 10 students to start an organization, and is very easy to do so. there are lots of different activities going on around campus, involving food, free giveaways, and the opportunity to meet new faces around campus.
Campus Safety
public safety officers are present everywhere on campus; on bikes, in vans, jeeps, and on foot. they respond to distress calls in under two minutes, their headquarters is right by the dorms, and the chicago police station headquarters is 10 minutes from campus. there are emergency buttons all around campus that, when pushed, will alert public safety and they will respond in two minutes or less.

Jenelle from Chicago, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a student at IIT, you will be pushed to excellence. You will be given a wealth of information and expected to be able to understand and explain with great detail that knowledge. Due to this, you will learn more than you thought possible. Because of this, you will advance beyond your peers.
Am enjoying being here
What better place to study than the amazing city of Chicago?! There are plenty of inexpensive activities going on all the time in the city that students at IIT can enjoy. There is also a wealth of activities happening on campus at any given time.
Bang for the buck
The education you can receive from IIT is worth far more than you would ever pay in tuition. Employers in the city of Chicago know the type of students IIT produces and are eager to hire us because they know the type of work ethic we have.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. Visit campus. Take as much math in high school as you can. Do NOT count IIT out due to the price of tuition (IIT is VERY generous with scholarships).
Great for these types of students
Are you willing to work hard? Do you want to learn? Does the city of Chicago appeal to you? Are you ok with professors knowing your name? (trust me, you should be - it's a good thing, and at IIT they will!) Are you curious how the things around you can be made better?

Shatoria from Chicago, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The work load at Illinois Institute of Technology is designed to help students learn and how to use what they learn in the real world. Each and every professor here at IIT are very helpful, the one thing they tell you when you on your first day of class is: IF YOU NEED HELP ASK, YOU'RE IN COLLEGE NOW, NO ONE IS GOING TO DO STUFF FOR YOU ANYMORE, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE AND LEARN HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE!
Am enjoying being here
When I first heard of IIT, i didn't think I would like it here, especially since I'm from Georgia and not Illinois, so being form out of state I had even more questions, but when I get here I was completely surprised. IIT isn't just all about books, there are countless student activities and clubs that will interest almost anyone. Its like many say Don't judge a book by its cover. IIT is an amazing school that combines a good education with comfortable and enjoying living for students.
Bang for the buck
This year the tuition went up about about 6% which making the cost of tuition 28,512 instead of the 26 grand it was previously. The amount of experience that you will receive here in the end of course is worth it, since the graduating class of 2008 made in their first year between 80-90 grand. So IIT is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
If you're thinking of applying to this school, make sure that you do have leadership skills and that you don't just do things inside the classroom, because IIT also focuses on what students do OUTSIDE the classroom ,so try volunteering your time every now and then. Also when you are admitted and arrive on campus, don't be afraid to be yourself and make sure to get to know your teachers because teachers here do enjoy when students come to their office(that's what office hours are for!) and even talk to your teacher after class if you have questions, just remember, You're in college, no one is going to play mommy for you.
Great for these types of students
IIT is mainly focused on architecture, engineering, and sciences, but they also have other departments such as business, and writing(communication or humanities). Usually you'll benefit more if you're interested in Architecture ore Engineering and Sciences though.

Gary from Fort Worth, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You got to learn a lot of things if you want to keep up with what your professor is talking about. If you don't understand what they're talking about in lecture, all the professors will always welcome you during their office hours to help you out.
Am enjoying being here
Being around the city just allows so many opportunities for you. You can go out relax at Millennium Park, walk up and down Navy Pier, or just walk up and down the Magnificent Mile (high class shopping street) and just shop.
Bang for the buck
The opportunities here are endless. You get to associate yourself with loads of people around the world since they are so many exchange students and internation students so you can immerse yourself the various culture our world has to offer. Your given a pass that is paid from your tuition that gives you unlimited usage of the public transportation (CTA) within the city, allowing you to save so much as long as your willing to explore the city. Tuition may be expensive at first, but the school will usually give loads of scholarship to lower that fee down.
Tips for prospective students
Advance Credit courses will get rid of basics, but make sure you remember them before taking more advance classes. Take advantage of office hours when you don't understand anything. There is no shame in asking questions. Be ready to be involved with loads of activities if you come here.
Great for these types of students
If your into engineering, sciences, math, computers, and architecture, then this is the place for you. We also have the Vandercook School of musics, so for all you aspiring musicians, this is also good for you. To the many people into the liberal arts side, we associate ourselves with the Shimer College that will give you a taste of literature.

Gabriel from Joliet, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The Illinois Institute of Technology is a one-of-a-kind school with its fairly small student:teacher ratio and its challenging academic programs. Its location is ideal as it is not in downtown Chicago but just a few minutes from it. Studying at IIT is a good way to challenge yourself for a higher education at a world-class city.
Tips for prospective students
For one it is important to be aware of scholarship/grant opportunities since any financial help is essential in studying at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Attending any tours or events such as Discover IIT Day or Preview Weekend that help you learn more about the school is almost essential in determining that IIT is the fit-school for you. Also as a prospective student, meeting new people whether they are in the same position as you or a student there is full of benefits.
Academic Rigor
Being part of the architecture program at IIT, I know it is definitely a challenging one. I know that the engineering programs are also quite rigorous. Most of the programs that I am very familiar with, pushes one to the limit of their knowledge capability which will pay off.
Dorm Life
There are two rooming options for first-year students, MSV and SSV, which are really accommodating. Living on campus is also an excellent way to meet people and in return, since IIT is a relatively small campus, one can make many friends which can come in handy when the academics get challenging.
Food and Dining
Even though, not liked by all, the campus's cafeteria operates in a buffet-style which means unlimited plates. The school also offers other dining options throughout the campus such as a cafe, a bagel shop, and even a 24/7 Seven Eleven so there is always something to eat at anytime of the day.
What to do for fun
Besides participating in the school's sports, clubs/organizations. downtown Chicago is just a train stop away. The best part about going out and leaving campus is that all full-time students get the ride the Chicago trains at no cost for while they are in school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
IIT has its own game area known as The BOG (located in the basement of Herman Hall) and has bowling, ping-pong tables, pool tables, and even televisions with game systems.
Greek Life
The Greek Life is a very popular part of IIT. In total there are 7 fraternities and 3 sororities. Being part of the Greek Life can be helpful because you can always count on help when it comes to any kind of problem.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is great. They can be seen roaming the school grounds 24/7. I am an architecture student so I have walked to the dorms at around 2am and the school's police officers are still active.

Nicole from Grandville, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am in some pretty challenging classes, but for the most part, I really am enjoying it. Even the class that I don't like, I look back on my semester and see that I really have learned a lot. In my Intro to the Profession class, we have learned so much about the field of engineering and have done two labs (electrocardiogram and electromyogram: the real deal!) and 3 research papers. Even though the research papers are a pain to write, the topics are really interesting to research. I am also learning about the design process through this class. We have a design project to come up with a product that will help a paraplegic in either the bathroom or the kitchen and the whole process has been really great. Design is not one of those things that is intelligence based. It is a process.
Am enjoying being here
I made some really great friends on the first weekend that I was here and I have thoroughly enjoyed that aspect. There are a ton of events and organizations to participate in, and there is also the city of Chicago just a brief train ride away if I am looking for a break from school. The only downside is that I am often super busy with homework and finding time to do all of these fun things is difficult.
Bang for the buck
There are a lot of scholarships here. Like, a lot! I, personally was awarded a scholarship to cover my tuition, so I am only paying for housing and board and all that, which is still expensive. But if you are looking for a good engineering or architecture degree, you can definitely find it here.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you have a lot of different extracurriculars and activities in your high school background. They really like to get students who are going to be involved in the school.
Also, take a lot of math and science classes. AP's are the best because you can get credit for them and then that is less classes you have to pay for, especially since most or all of the majors require math, physics, and chemistry.
Great for these types of students
Hard workers, really involved students, prospective engineers and architects, those who classify themselves as nerds (and those who don't).

Shalitha from Washington, DC

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
The professors here are really helpful if you ever need help understanding anything from class lectures or homework. They LOVE it when a student shows up to their office hours!
Did enjoy being here
You get to meet a lot of great people here form all over the world!
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your professors and peers as early on as possible! It helps tons for networking and review plus you get to meet great people.
Great for these types of students
If you like to argue about math, physics, and play smash bros. while doing it then this is the place for you to be!