Illinois State University
About Illinois State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, Illinois. It is the oldest public university in the state and offers strong programs in education, business, nursing, and the sciences. The campus has a classic college-town feel in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Founded
1857
Location
Normal, Illinois
Students
21,496
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
64.5%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$16,144
Out-of-state: $28,210
Avg Net Price
$19,398
After financial aid
SAT Average
1113
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,117
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$55
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Illinois State University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1113/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
64.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
81.4%
4-Year Grad
48%
6-Year Grad
67%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
73.6%
$/Student
$9.2K
Class Size
Large
While 48% finish in 4 years, 81.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,144
In-State
$28,210
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,754
Books & Supplies
$830
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,309
After Financial Aid
$19,398
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,568
Receive Grants
32.1%
Take Loans
43.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $34,309/yr for in-state students, including $11,754 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $19,398. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,210.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Illinois State University fund their education.
While in School
32.1%
Get Grants
Free money
43.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$67,099
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,482
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $20,482 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Illinois State University.
Gender
56.8%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
19,057
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,439
Graduates
29.6%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
4.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 29.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
19,057
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Illinois State University fields 11 varsity teams with 603 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Missouri Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
603
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
330
Men
273
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Illinois State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,117
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$45K
473 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$52K
256 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
215 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
200 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
176 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$55K
176 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $47K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Illinois State University
What is the acceptance rate at Illinois State University?▾
How much does Illinois State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Illinois State University?▾
How much do Illinois State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.