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COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:
Illinois State University continues to help students find their place in the Redbird family during this unprecedented time. Video conference with an admissions counselor one-on-one, virtually tour our campus, attend an online information session, or ask a question via email—we're here to help. Learn More
- AcademicsB
- ValueA-
- DiversityB+
- CampusA-
- AthleticsB+
- Party SceneA
- ProfessorsB
- LocationB+
- DormsB
- Campus FoodA-
- Student LifeA
- SafetyB-
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FCS
Athletic Conference
Missouri Valley Conference
Illinois State University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
ISU Admissions
Acceptance Rate
89%
SAT Range
1010-1190
ACT Range
20-26
Application Fee
$50
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No
Application Website
Will You Get In?
Test Scores and High School GPA for Illinois State University See Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$19,489/ year
National
$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$9,572/ year
National
$7,535Students Receiving Financial Aid
86%
Academics
Professors
B
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
20:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
- 81%
- of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.165 responses
- 59%
- of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.182 responses
- 59%
- of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.182 responses
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Online
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
16,917Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
1,190
Undergrads Over 25
3%
Pell Grant
31%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
- 60%
- of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.227 responses
Poll
- 51%
- of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.266 responses
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$47,100/ year
National
$33,028Graduation Rate
69%
National
49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation
97%
National
83%- 83%
- of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.113 responses
Illinois State University Reviews
2,802 reviews
All Categories
Individually, I had professors who cared. But on an institutional level, it's nearly impossible to get ISU to consider the needs of its students. Workers are underpaid, financial aid is hard to access, the school fails to properly respond to their racism, and nonbinary students are given such minimal housing options that most just opt to misgender themselves for a better room. Now, the campus is great. Beautiful! And I find there's a lot of flexibility in my major. I love ISU. I found it to be the best option for me on nearly every front. I can't imagine myself anywhere else. But know that no matter how good an institution seems, they're not on your side. That includes ISU's friendly face. ISU would not be as good as it is without its students, faculty, and other workers. It's about time ISU gives us what we need. Without us, they're just a collection of old buildings.
Illinois State is an amazing place to go to school. To start, Illinois State has a beautiful campus in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Not only is everything within walking distance, but the campus is also an arboretum, featuring dozens of different exotic and beautiful trees scattered across the quad. Illinois State also features many amazing schools and professors. The music program at Illinois State is phenomenal, featuring three auditioning wind ensembles, a non-major wind ensemble, two jazz bands, three jazz combos, a symphony orchestra, a men’s choir, two women’s choirs, a concert choir, and Madrigal singers. The music education program is also amazing that is led by amazing professors that care about the success of all students. Illinois State is also a great place for business majors. State Farm works with Illinois State and gets many students wonderful internship opportunities and careers. Overall, Illinois State is an amazing school that everyone should consider going to!
I love Illinois State University! Coming into college as a freshman, I was very nervous to move away from home and move into a dorm with people I did not know. My nerves went away very soon once I met my best friend in the dorm and went to welcome week activities! ISU provides so much to all students to welcome them and make sure they have fun. Not only are the professors on campus great people, but the classes are also enjoyable as well. I have had so much fun while being at Illinois State so far, and I cannot wait for the many adventures I will have later on. I have recommended ISU to many people because it feels like home here and many people on campus would agree. Included with tuition costs include many cool things like access the rec center, access to the buses, and many more incredible things. Illinois State University has become a second home to me and many others here.