Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT): Engineering, Design & Entrepreneurship

 

At a glance

On Chicago’s South Side, IIT focuses on engineering, computing, architecture, and entrepreneurship. Studio and lab culture encourages building things early and often.

What stands out

• Project-based learning: Capstones and maker spaces from year one.

• Design mindset: Architecture and design thinking influence engineering teams.

• Startup ecosystem: Incubators, pitch comps, and industry mentors.

Student life

A tight-knit community with quick access to transit. Hack nights, robotics clubs, and cross-college collaborations are common.

Admissions & fit tips

Show completed builds—code repos, prototypes, design studies. Explain what you learned from failures and how you iterated.

Paying for college

Combine merit awards with paid research and tutoring roles; explore co-ops to offset housing and tuition.

Career outcomes

Software, civil/ME/EE, product design, and consulting. Keep a living portfolio and schedule practice interviews every term.

Visit plan

Morning lab tour → design studio drop-in → short ride to the lakefront for sunset.