Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) vs Illinois Tech

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 7%, while IIT, situated in Chicago, Illinois, maintains a more accessible acceptance rate of approximately 60%. Both universities excel in STEM fields, with MIT renowned for its strength in engineering, computer science, and physics, and IIT recognized for its expertise in engineering, architecture, and design. While MIT's student body comprises primarily of undergraduate students, IIT caters to a larger population of graduate students. To further explore the distinctions between these esteemed institutions, delve into the comprehensive comparison table provided, where you can uncover additional insights into their academic offerings, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes.

	Illinois Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	99.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.1%	4.1%
Application fees	$75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1230 - 1410	N/A
ACT range	26 - 32	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%
Total number of applicants	6,521	33,240
Total number of admissions given out	4,311	1,365
Admitted students who chose to enroll	505	1,177
Yield rate	11.7%	86.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$67,790	$58,920
Average net price	$26,789	$30,958
Tuition	$48,670	$55,510
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,842 Meal plan: $7,204	Room/dormitory: $11,550 Meal plan: $6,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $40,370	100.0% Average amount $32,562
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $5,078	6.0% Average amount $5,112
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $16,758	1.0% Average amount $17,891

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,998 Men 67.5% Women 32.5%	4,638 Men 51.9% Women 48.1%
Graduate students	3,488 Men 59.8% Women 40.2%	7,296 Men 62.0% Women 38.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	37.5%	29.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,722	6,280
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	California Texas New York Florida New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Business Architecture	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Architecture Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	3:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.4%	96.2%
Dropout rate	26.0%	3.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,573 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $122,231 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,214 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $98,163 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,905 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $92,129 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,681 Year 2: $65,131 Year 3: $79,844 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,164 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $79,429 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,411 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $78,363 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,589 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $77,051 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,945 Year 2: $66,169 Year 3: $76,694 Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,733 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,314 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,785	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $144,716 Year 2: $150,045 Year 3: $183,153 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $170,089 Year 2: $165,236 Year 3: $182,183 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $118,191 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $163,496 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,796 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $155,540 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,685 Year 2: $137,214 Year 3: $155,079 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $104,229 Year 2: $121,226 Year 3: $139,548 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $141,603 Year 2: $126,504 Year 3: $132,987 Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $112,885 Year 3: $124,425 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $135,266 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $112,404 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,955 Year 2: $104,749 Year 3: $109,672

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary areas of focus for MIT and IIT?

MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation across a broad spectrum of STEM fields, including engineering, science, and technology. IIT, while also strong in STEM, places a greater emphasis on applied technology and professional practice, particularly in areas like architecture, engineering, and business.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between MIT and IIT?

MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a vibrant city with a strong academic and tech presence, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration and networking. IIT is situated in Chicago, Illinois, a major metropolitan area with a diverse cultural landscape and a focus on industry and urban development. MIT's campus is more integrated with the surrounding city, while IIT's has a more self-contained feel.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

MIT generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, fostering a more intimate and interactive learning environment. IIT tends to have slightly larger classes, although still maintaining a reasonable student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention.
How do the research opportunities compare between MIT and IIT?

MIT is a global leader in research, offering extensive opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in groundbreaking projects across various disciplines. IIT also provides research opportunities, particularly in areas aligned with its focus on applied technology and industry-relevant problems. MIT's research funding and scale are generally larger.
What are the strengths of each school's engineering programs?

MIT's engineering programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world, known for their theoretical depth, innovation, and emphasis on fundamental principles. IIT's engineering programs are strong in practical application and industry relevance, preparing students for immediate contributions to the workforce. IIT also has a strong focus on architecture and design.
How do the costs of attending MIT and IIT compare?

Both MIT and IIT are private institutions, and the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) is significant. However, both schools offer generous financial aid packages to eligible students, making them accessible to a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds. MIT's endowment is significantly larger, potentially allowing for more extensive financial aid opportunities.
What types of students typically thrive at MIT versus IIT?

MIT attracts highly motivated and intellectually curious students who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. IIT appeals to students who are interested in applying technology to solve real-world problems and are seeking a career-oriented education with strong industry connections.
What are the career prospects for graduates of MIT and IIT?

Graduates from both MIT and IIT are highly sought after by employers in various industries. MIT graduates often pursue careers in research, academia, and leadership roles in technology companies. IIT graduates are well-prepared for careers in engineering, architecture, business, and other fields, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry experience.
How do the alumni networks of MIT and IIT compare?

Both MIT and IIT have strong and active alumni networks that provide valuable resources and connections for graduates. MIT's alumni network is global and highly influential, spanning various industries and sectors. IIT's alumni network is also strong, particularly in the Midwest region and in fields related to architecture, engineering, and technology.
What are some notable differences in the academic culture at MIT and IIT?

MIT is known for its intense and demanding academic environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and intellectual rigor. IIT has a more career-focused academic culture, emphasizing practical skills and industry connections. While both are challenging, MIT's focus is more on fundamental research, while IIT's is more on applied technology.

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