ITT Technical Institute-Fort Lauderdale

Key Highlights

• Dedicated to academic excellence
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at ITT Technical Institute-Fort Lauderdale centered on classroom attendance and program completion rather than traditional college experiences. The for-profit career college model emphasized efficient credential delivery to working adults rather than community building or extracurricular development. Students attended classes, completed assignments, and pursued employment, with limited additional programming. The student population primarily included working adults attending school part-time alongside employment. Career changers seeking new skills for professional transitions. Recent high school graduates opting for technical training over traditional college. First-generation students unfamiliar with higher education norms. This demographic mix created a practical, job-focused campus culture without the social activities common at traditional institutions. Campus facilities focused on training equipment rather than amenities. Computer labs provided equipment for technology coursework. Classrooms accommodated lectures and hands-on practice. The suburban Fort Lauderdale location offered parking and accessibility for commuting students. Residential housing did not exist, with all students living off-campus. Since the institution closed in 2016, prospective students cannot enroll or experience student life at this campus. Former students affected by the closure may still seek information about loan discharge, credit transfer, and completion options at other institutions. The Florida Department of Education and federal student aid programs maintain resources for affected students navigating post-closure options.

Location & Surroundings

Fort Lauderdale provided an urban/suburban setting for ITT Technical Institute's South Florida campus. The city of approximately 180,000 residents sits within the larger Miami metropolitan area, offering access to diverse employment opportunities in technology, healthcare, tourism, and business sectors. This location theoretically advantaged graduates seeking positions in South Florida's growing economy. The Fort Lauderdale area offers year-round warm weather attractive to those who dislike winter conditions. Beach proximity provides recreational opportunities. The cultural diversity of South Florida exposes residents to varied communities and perspectives. These lifestyle factors appeal to many prospective residents, though they did not directly affect educational quality at the now-closed institution. Housing costs in Fort Lauderdale run moderately high by national standards, though below the most expensive coastal markets. Students who attended ITT typically lived throughout the metropolitan area, commuting to the suburban campus location. Public transportation options exist but remain limited compared to older northeastern cities, making personal vehicles practical for most students. Since ITT Technical Institute closed in 2016, this location information serves primarily historical purposes. Prospective students seeking technical education in the Fort Lauderdale area should research currently operating institutions. Broward College offers public community college options. Florida Atlantic University provides four-year and graduate programs. Various other institutions serve the South Florida region with technical and career-focused programs.

Costs & Career Outcomes

ITT Technical Institute charged tuition substantially higher than public community college alternatives. Annual costs typically ranged from $18,000 to $25,000 depending on program, with total program costs often reaching $40,000 to $80,000 for associate and bachelor's degrees. These figures far exceeded comparable programs at Florida's public institutions, which charge a fraction of these amounts for similar credential preparation. Most ITT students financed their education through federal student loans, accumulating significant debt relative to expected earnings in their target occupations. Critics argued that many students borrowed more than they could reasonably repay given actual employment outcomes for ITT graduates. Post-graduation default rates at ITT campuses ranked among the highest in American higher education. When ITT closed in 2016, students faced uncertain pathways. Some pursued closed school loan discharge, which forgives federal student loans when institutions close before students complete their programs. Others attempted to transfer credits to alternative institutions, with mixed success depending on receiving school policies. Many were left with debt but no credential, facing repayment obligations for education they never completed. Career outcomes for ITT graduates varied widely. Some found employment in their fields of study and built successful careers. Others struggled to find positions that valued their credentials or paid salaries sufficient to repay accumulated debt. The institution's poor overall outcomes contributed to regulatory actions that ultimately forced closure. Students affected by ITT's closure should explore loan discharge options through the Federal Student Aid website and consult with their loan servicers about available relief programs.

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