Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) vs Illinois Tech

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) stand out as two prominent universities offering a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. While both institutions share a commitment to excellence in education, they differ in several key aspects. RIT boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. IIT, on the other hand, has a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process. In terms of popular majors, RIT excels in fields like engineering, computing, and design, while IIT is renowned for its strengths in engineering, computer science, and architecture. RIT's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while IIT has a slightly larger student population. When it comes to graduation rates, RIT has a higher percentage of students completing their degrees within six years. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with

	Illinois Institute of Technology	Rochester Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Rochester, New York
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.1%	71.4%
Application fees	$75	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1230 - 1410	1270 - 1450
ACT range	26 - 32	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	6,521	21,923
Total number of admissions given out	4,311	15,645
Admitted students who chose to enroll	505	3,355
Yield rate	11.7%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$67,790	$69,232
Average net price	$26,789	$35,012
Tuition	$48,670	$52,030
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,842 Meal plan: $7,204	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $40,370	100.0% Average amount $31,960
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $5,078	62.0% Average amount $5,197
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $16,758	16.0% Average amount $19,624

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,998 Men 67.5% Women 32.5%	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%
Graduate students	3,488 Men 59.8% Women 40.2%	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	53.2%
International students	37.5%	11.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,722	6,543
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Business Architecture	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.4%	69.0%
Dropout rate	26.0%	29.1%
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	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,382 Year 2: $89,006 Year 3: $104,341 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,806 Year 2: $98,137 Year 3: $98,068 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,771 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,116 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,470 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $92,303 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,401 Year 2: $72,901 Year 3: $87,280 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,111 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,564 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,226 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,398 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,931 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $81,980 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $79,663 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $79,347

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)?

RIT is renowned for its strong programs in technology, engineering, and art & design, with a significant emphasis on experiential learning through co-ops and internships. IIT excels in engineering, architecture, and science, particularly in areas like materials science, and is known for its focus on innovation and design thinking, often incorporating real-world problem-solving into its curriculum.
How do the campus environments of RIT and IIT differ?

RIT boasts a large, suburban campus with a vibrant student life, offering a wide range of activities and a strong sense of community. IIT has a more urban campus located in Chicago, providing students with easy access to the city's cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and a diverse environment.
What is the cost of attendance at RIT versus IIT?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is generally comparable between RIT and IIT. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fee information on each university's website and explore financial aid options.
How does the student body composition compare between RIT and IIT?

Both universities have diverse student bodies. RIT attracts a significant number of students from across the United States and internationally, with a strong focus on STEM fields. IIT also has a diverse student population, with a notable international presence, particularly in its graduate programs, and a strong representation of students from various backgrounds.
What are the career services and co-op/internship opportunities like at RIT and IIT?

RIT is particularly well-known for its robust co-op program, which provides students with extensive opportunities to gain practical experience in their fields. IIT also offers strong career services and internship opportunities, leveraging its location in Chicago and its industry connections to help students find relevant work experience and prepare for their careers. Both universities have dedicated career centers to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation.
What is the research focus at RIT and IIT?

RIT has a strong research focus in areas such as imaging science, cybersecurity, and sustainability, with numerous research centers and institutes. IIT emphasizes research in engineering, architecture, and science, with a focus on innovation, design, and addressing real-world challenges, often collaborating with industry partners.
How do the campus cultures and student life experiences differ?

RIT offers a traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on campus activities, clubs, and sports. IIT, being located in Chicago, provides a more urban experience, with students having access to the city's cultural events, entertainment, and professional opportunities. Both universities have active student organizations and a variety of social events.
Which university is better for a student interested in art and design?

RIT's College of Art and Design is highly regarded, offering a wide range of programs and resources for aspiring artists and designers. While IIT has a strong architecture program, RIT generally provides a broader and more comprehensive art and design experience.
How do the admission requirements compare between RIT and IIT?

Admission requirements are similar, with both universities considering factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Specific requirements may vary by program, so it's important to check the admissions websites for the most up-to-date information.
Which university is better suited for a student who prefers a more hands-on, practical learning approach?

Both RIT and IIT emphasize hands-on learning. However, RIT's co-op program and focus on experiential learning may provide more extensive opportunities for practical application of knowledge. IIT also incorporates practical elements into its curriculum, particularly in its engineering and design programs.

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