Launch your college education from the comfort of your own home! Illinois Tech is offering the opportunity to begin earning college credit from anywhere in the world thanks to our partnerships with Arizona State University Online.

After completing 12-15 credit hours over the course of 1-2 semesters, you’ll then seamlessly transition to studying at Illinois Tech full-time to complete your bachelor’s degree program.

While enrolled in this program, Ascend Scholars have access to:

  • Dedicated Illinois Tech advisor
  • Ascend mentors at a 1 to 15 mentor to student ratio
  • A guaranteed scholarship of $25,000 annually upon successful completion of the first year and seamless transition to full-time status at Illinois Tech

Eligibility Requirements

  • This opportunity is available only to graduating high school seniors. They must submit an application for first-year admission to be considered for the Ascend program.
  • Eligible students will be offered direct admission to the Illinois Tech Ascend program. 
  • Eligible students must declare their intent to participate in the Ascend program by May 1 prior to the start of the fall term.
  • Ascend Scholars must meet the following requirements at the end of their Ascend year to continue their studies as a full time degree-seeking student at Illinois Tech:
    • Meet with their Illinois Tech admission counselor once per semester to plan coursework at the partner institution
    • Obtain an overall 3.0 GPA in their studies at Illinois Tech and the partner institution
    • Complete a minimum of 12-15 credit hours during their Ascend year, including Calculus I
    • Achieve grades of B or higher in any math, science, or technology coursework
    • Submit an official transcript at the end of each semester of the Ascend scholar year

Frequently Asked Questions

Your courses will be recommended by one of our Ascend Advisors.

Available courses can be found at the links below:

The courses available through Illinois Tech’s Ascend program include:

  • College Success
  • Math 0019 COLLEGE ALGEBRA (3.0)
  • Math 0005 PRECALCULUS (3.0)
  • Math 0217 FUNDAMENTALS OF CALCULUS I (3.0)
  • CS 0109 COMPUTER SCIENCE I (3)
  • Psy 0013 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3.0)
  • Soc 0013 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (3.0)
  • STATS 0202 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS (3.0)
  • PHIL 0100 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (3.0)
  • Engwrt 0010 COLLEGE WRITING I (3.0)

Courses are offered in 7 week summer terms and 14 week fall and spring terms.

Yes! Any invited student with a computer and internet access can participate!

Through our partner, Arizona State University, students can take live courses through ASU Online and asynchronous courses through ASU's Universal Learner Courses. 

Yes, applicants will receive merit-based scholarships upon admission to Ascend Online.

No, unfortunately, we do not accept federal or state financial aid for Ascend Online courses.

All courses taught through Ascend Online are accepted by Illinois Tech as well as hundreds of other accredited colleges and universities.