Illinois State University

6/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Normal, IL
4.8 4 reviews

#5 Best Public Universities in Illinois

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

21,546

Location Normal, Illinois
Website illinoisstate.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small City

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Illinois State University, located in the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal in central Illinois, sits approximately 130 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in 1857 as Illinois' first public university, ISU occupies a 1,000-acre campus featuring both historic and modern facilities, including the iconic Fell Hall and the Bone Student Center. The university maintains strong academic programs in education, business, and nursing, reflecting its origins as a teacher training institution while having evolved into a comprehensive public university. The campus houses approximately 6,000 students in residence halls and apartment-style living facilities, with most first-year students required to live on campus. ISU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Redbirds, participating in the Missouri Valley Conference.

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Ratings

ISU is rated within the top 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

Overall Rating

6 out of 10
Academics

6 out of 10
Resources

4 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

5 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Illinois State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 990/1210
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 21/27
GPA 3.41

Acceptance Rate

88.2%

Applications Due Apr 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 22.5%
Application Fee $55

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Illinois Resident Tuition

$16,144

Out of State Resident Tuition

$28,210

Breakdown

Tuition $16,144
Books and Supplies $830
Other Fees $4,078
Room and Board $11,754
Budget for Other Expenses $5,874
Total One Year Cost $38,680

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

71% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Illinois State University are Business, Education, and Social Sciences. 20% of students major in Business, 18% in Education, and 6% in Social Sciences.