Illinois Institute of Technology has entered into multiple partnerships to enhance student experiences and provide better access to students from all backgrounds, and recent data shows a remarkable surge of applicant interest in the university in 2023.

Starting in August 2023—in partnership with Coursera, a leading online learning platform—Illinois Tech is offering four new degree programs that feature performance-based admissions. The programs, which are completely online, use performance-based admissions and are affordable and open to anyone worldwide.

“By joining forces with Coursera, we are breaking down barriers to higher education and offering individuals worldwide the opportunity to access Illinois Tech’s renowned, industry-relevant programs,” Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi says.

The programs include a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) (Stuart School of Business) and Master of Data Science, Master of Information Technology, and Bachelor of Information Technology (College of Computing).

Additionally, Illinois Tech is launching the Ascend program in 2024. This pioneering collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago offers graduating high school seniors a cost-effective and flexible path to pursue their academic journeys. 

Students begin their college experience at a partner institution, and upon successful completion of the first year, transition seamlessly to full-time study at Illinois Tech to finish their bachelor’s degree.

The Ascend program also offers a comprehensive range of support and benefits to scholars, including dedicated mentors, access to academic and career coaching services, a special tuition rate for Illinois Tech courses during the Ascend year ($100 per credit hour), a guaranteed annual Illinois Tech scholarship of $25,000 upon successful first-year completion, and full access to Illinois Tech student facilities and campus life activities. It also includes access to experiential learning opportunities, including virtual internships through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind career-readiness program, Elevate.