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Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Reviews

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Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Illinois Institute of Technology reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Illinois Institute of Technology. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Illinois Institute of Technology reviews, or contribute your own Illinois Institute of Technology review if you're a current student there.

  • 13 out of 14 people found this review useful.

    Christian from Elgin, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • 11 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Gwendolyn from Westmoreland, NH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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!

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Daniel from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • 5 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Shatoria from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Jenelle from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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?

  • 3 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Gary from Fort Worth, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • 4 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Shalitha from Washington, DC

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Elizabeth from Tinley Park, IL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The education at IIT is a top rate, especially for engineering.
    Will enjoy being here

    It will be nice to live in Chicago and get to experience life in the city, instead of the suburbs

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Graham from Carol Stream, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There aren't many 'easy' classes here. Bottom line - you need to pay attention in class, be proactive, and work diligently.
    Faculty are really interested in not just teaching students but getting to personally know them. They care!
    Am enjoying being here

    There are SO many ways to make an impact here - student government, 100+ student orgs, etc...There are always lots of fun student activities going on. You'll form fast friendships with students and faculty. At a smaller school like IIT, you'll also get opportunities to further your academic and professional career like undergraduate research opportunities and professional societies that are very involved.
    Bang for the buck

    $40 grand a year? True, its expensive, but you won't come close to paying that much in reality. University financial aid is VERY generous, and thats even before state and federal. Definitely apply and see what kind of financial aid you're eligible for! If you need more aid, let IIT know. They want to make it possible for you to come here.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early, fill out your FAFSA on ASAP (January 1st), and make sure to personally visit campus. They'll give you a warm welcome in a very personal way. IIT is all about the people!
    Great for these types of students

    If you aren't afraid to work hard and want to have a lot of control over how you develop socially, academically, and professionally, IIT is for you. Responsibility is key!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Nicole from Grandville, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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).

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Jill from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved in activities at your school, it will help you meet new people and also look great on your resume. You will learn a lot about how to get a job after graduation; pay attention to these tips, they will get you far.
    Great for these types of students

    IIT is a small school focused on getting students jobs after graduation. This is a great school for the sciences and technologies. If you like doing things on the computer you will fit in great here.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    is it true?

  • 1 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Carlo from San Antonio, TX

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I was a graduate student at the business school. I would like to say I learned a lot, but I really didn't learn as much as I expected. The graduate program is semester based. The professors have a great deal of experience and knowledge. Unfortunately, the class structure benefited the international students than the domestic students. I felt unengaged and I was bored.
    Did enjoy being here

    There is a Friday lecture series ranging from guest lecturers and PhD candidates. Most are very interesting. Some activities are worth going to, but most of the activities are on the main campus. If you want to create a group or club, the university has the funds to do so. The GSB uses a floor from the Law School, and the Law students have more events and services.
    Bang for the buck

    This was a very expensive gamble. I had applied to several graduate business schools, and I expected to learn a great deal from the program. Unfortunately, I could not afford the tuition. Tuition is about $13000 a semester, and roughly $25000 for the year. Although I had a 4.0, I did not qualify for scholarships. Most of the scholarships went to International students and joint MBA/JD students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to a class at the downtown campus if you are thinking about going to the GSB. There had been some issues with students cheating, and the academic honesty is very relaxed. Many of the students are from China or India. Some students are from other parts of the world. The majority of the students are young, and have little experience in business. Students with moderate to relatively low TOEFL scores are required to enroll in a non-credit earning English course taught at the downtown campus. The course is an added $4000, so be sure to study. Most domestic students are part-time students with full time jobs and careers. Most domestic students are helpful and friendly. Classes are offered during the day or at night. I have not seen an online graduate course. If you are a McNair Scholar or classified as a McNair Scholar Candidate, I would recommend a different university.
    Great for these types of students

    Students with moderate TOEFL scores, students with moderate GMAT scores, students with little to no work experience, students interested in dual degrees, International students, part-time students interested in a program located downtown

  • Christina from CHICAGO, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Amazing professors that take the time to help. Ipad initiatives gives you tools to be successful in academic classes. The opportunities that are offered here help the students become commodities in the future!
    Tips for prospective students

    Search out the STEM+ scholarship. Get involved with student groups. Rent the bikes around the campus for easy mobility
    Academic Rigor

    You need to study and be focused in order to succeed. Outside learning is a definite plus if you really want to be set apart from the rest. Some area's of the campus are open late so you can study into the night.
    Dorm Life

    I do not live on campus
    Food and Dining

    Food could definitely be improved. There is a buffet that offers a variety of selection of foods. If you are vegan or vegetarian there are plenty of options.
    What to do for fun

    IIT campus is off the red line. It is easy to get to amazing areas of Chicago like Chinatown, Boys Town and head to beach in Rogers Park. The Bog is also hoping on weekends!
    Bang for the buck

    Take the red line to the Roosevelt stop where you can find a Trader Joes, Target and Whole foods for cheap eats!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    7-11 for drinks!
    Clubs and Activities

    If you are an Information Technology and Management program join the new ITMO club!
    Greek Life

    There is a Greek system at IIT.
    Campus Safety

    Very safe. There are blue boxes around campus. The campus is also very well lit.

  • Amadou from Lynnwood, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Illinois Tech is a vibrant institute with the largest diverse student population I have ever seen!.
    Education First!
    Fun last!
    Tips for prospective students

    Please, contact or visit the admission office and ask them about the requirements, especially for the transfer students make sure you ask about the transferable classes/credits. So that you can decide on taking only the transferable classes at your current school.

    Academic Rigor

    Superb, especially the Applied Technology field (because that's my area of concentration)
    Dorm Life

    The campus has lots of dorms, and for the dorm I lived at is very quite and roomy. It has a common area for public interactions, group work or to watch TV.

    MSV is one of the dorms with United Nations like student population...due to the diversity nature of the campus and dorms. Awesome!

    Food and Dining

    Great foods but I am not an advocate for campus dinning due to prices. Well, that's wholly my opinion and my friends loves the Commons (dinning place of the campus).
    What to do for fun

    The campus has it's own bar and restaurant equipped with great sound systems and lots of amenities or games to chill. What more can you ask for? There is a cool gym and soccer field too.
    Bang for the buck

    Well is a private institution which comes with higher tuition and fess, but over 90% of all the students receive financial support from the school.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Taste of IIT is one of the greatest multicultural events I have ever witnessed. For those of you who doesn't know about it is an event where people from different cultures bring their home meals to the campus to share with the students.
    Great for these types of students

    Any student who is ready to learn and perhaps have little bit of have fun too!
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of clubs with brilliant actives in campus weekly.
    Greek Life

    Awesome......thinking about joining one.
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety folks are always roaming around the campus, basically seen everywhere. The safety level is very very high.

  • V from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a specialized engineering, architecture, computer science school attempting to expand into other somewhat related areas. there are several degree programs that are excellent, just have to do a lot of digging, which they don't make easy.
    Tips for prospective students

    visit. a lot. visit with a tour. visit during the few functions. visit late at night.
    unfortunately, there aren't many places on campus open to the public, or where you can just blend in - there's the mccormick tribune campus center and that's definitely it.
    Academic Rigor

    academic rigor vs. professors who are (or were) in their field and are concerned with recruiting lab workers more so than teaching...many will be on the fence about the true rigor long after they graduate. depending on the major, the answer will be all over the map.
    Dorm Life

    campus life is centered around the dorms. there is virtually no campus life.

    housing is...interesting. very liberal, lax and vague in rules and policies and enforcement is extremely random and over bearing.

    as of '13 the least expensive option on campus (without assistance) is set to rival or exceed 10k + meal plan.

    freshmen are mandated to live on campus, unless they live in chicago.
    Food and Dining

    the food in the main cafeteria is fun and dynamic (for a cafeteria servicing a student body that reps 100+ countries). easily the best cafeteria of it's class (not u of c or northwestern).

    a lot of other eateries that are campus owned - quality drops steeply after leaving the commons.
    What to do for fun

    beef up your computer. seriously.
    Bang for the buck

    if you are not going for engineering, architecture (which is our top program w/ very few rivals in the area) and computer science, move on. most other majors are used to catch engineers who decided it wasn't their thing and can't transfer since our gen ed is tech specific.

    we have programs from the '40s that are still going through growing pains - psych, business and new ones from post 2000 - poli sci and socio - don't do it. you're paying for engineering lab fees and equipment and a technical name for a non-technical degree.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the pumpkin launch was awesome once or twice...also, when ever we change buildings, we seem to let alum pay to damage them for us...
    Great for these types of students

    (not to diss, i just think computerly inclined is more condescending)
    computer nerds/geeks
    technical internationals
    tourists/people not from chicago (otherwise, there is very little to do by means of entertainment - yes, we have big buildings, and you will see crimes against humanity on the public transit)
    if you are in a stock iit major and just want to define yourself as student for three-five years (rewards are great, cost can be high by way of social/personal growth)
    Clubs and Activities

    about maybe 250 people make up 50%+ of the involvement on campus. this is bad. there are a lot of clubs and activities but you will see a lot of the same faces just in different positions. even if it's a small school, we aren't that small...
    Greek Life

    there are truly better places to party, even at a tech school. a social group with little function or impact beyond themselves. the party ends long before the first midterm in the fall and doesn't have much time to pick up even during breaks
    Campus Safety

    the people that live with you/the people who are signed in legitly by the people who live with you are 99 times out of a hundred more dangerous than south siders - the projects have been removed from the area. just because they are minority and low income, doesn't make this campus not safe.

  • Anonymos

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    campus is nice
    Tips for prospective students

    do you have any?

  • Erick from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have definitely learned many things, academically, socially, and professionally, that I never knew coming out of high school. With each major comes a different type of work ethic and once you get passed the general education classes you finally start seeing your major and career taking shape. College is definitely not high school where most of the time you feel like your not being challenged enough.
    Am enjoying being here

    When the weather is warm, the campus can be one of the funnest places to be on especially when you get along with the right people. The moment it gets really cold out is when you sort of wish you could be back home, but as far as the people around and the experience here I definitely enjoy it.
    Bang for the buck

    The school is very expensive. I have to pay nearly $50,000 due to the fact that I live on campus, but IIT does everything it can to help students financially as far as scholarships and loans go.
    Tips for prospective students

    IIT requires that everyone come in with an open mind. The school offers many great programs, clubs, and opportunities that help students embrace the full experience that is college. Also, the work load can sometimes be a bit crazy, but you cannot let it get to you. That's what the clubs and events are for. To help relieve the stress that the work puts on you.

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