Illinois State University: 86.2% Acceptance Rate

86.2%Acceptance

$16,021Tuition

18,414Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,117Earnings

#16 in IllinoisPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Illinois State University

Illinois State has built a powerhouse reputation in teacher education and performing arts, producing notable alumni like actors John Malkovich and Laurie Metcalf. The university enrolls 18,414 students in Normal, a classic college town that revolves around campus life. ISU operates as a public research university where future educators and performers hone their craft alongside students in dozens of other programs. With an 86% acceptance rate and average ACT score of 24, the school welcomes motivated students without the cutthroat competition of top universities.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,996 after aid, with lower-income families paying just $11,075. Graduates earn a median of $62,117 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,482 manageable with monthly payments around $217. The 97.7% employment rate suggests ISU prepares students for real careers, not just degrees.

Campus life centers on Redbird athletics, with 15 NCAA Division I teams competing in the Missouri Valley Conference. The student body skews 95% in-state, creating a tight-knit Illinois community. About 81% of freshmen return for sophomore year, indicating students generally find their fit at this accessible state university.

Academics & Faculty

Illinois State built its reputation as a teacher's college and remains one of the Midwest's top destinations for future educators. The university trains more teachers than almost any other institution in Illinois, with education majors benefiting from extensive field experience in local schools. Students also flock here for strong programs in business, communications, and the performing arts. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, but professors remain accessible for those who seek them out. About 67% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the mix of first-generation college students and those juggling work with studies. The university's research opportunities give undergraduates hands-on experience typically reserved for graduate students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 66.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 66.3%
Retention Rate: 81.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,117
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$95,930
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$72,884
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$67,101
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$65,194
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$64,990
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$64,791
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$63,005
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$57,770
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$55,693
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$54,996

View all 138 programs →

Campus Life

The Illinois State campus sits in Normal, a college town that blends into nearby Bloomington about two hours south of Chicago. Housing capacity accommodates 6,578 students out of 18,414 total enrollment, meaning roughly a third live on campus while others spread throughout the twin cities. Illinois winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring brings pleasant weather perfect for the Quad, the tree-lined heart of campus where students gather between classes.

Weekends revolve around Redbird athletics, especially basketball games that pack Redbird Arena. The school's strong theater program means quality productions year-round, drawing from a tradition that produced actors like John Malkovich and Laurie Metcalf. Students frequent Uptown Normal for restaurants and nightlife, or catch the Connect Transit bus to explore Bloomington. With 95.14% of students coming from Illinois, the vibe feels distinctly Midwestern and friendly. Greek life, intramural sports, and over 300 student organizations keep campus active. The Bone Student Center serves as the social center, especially during harsh winter months when students need indoor gathering spaces.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 6,578 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1857

Campus Safety (2023)

53 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	11	9	2
Dating Violence	11	7	0
Burglary	2	2	1
Stalking	2	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0
Fondling	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–33°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.4"
Annual Snowfall: 20.1"

Student Demographics

Illinois State draws overwhelmingly from within Illinois, with 95% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's role as a regional powerhouse in teacher preparation and public service careers. The student body leans female at 56%, which aligns with the school's reputation for education and social work programs that traditionally attract more women. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, Illinois State serves many first-generation college students from working-class families across the Prairie State who see teaching and public service as pathways to stable middle-class careers.

Men: 43.9%
Women: 56.1%
White: 66.5%
Black: 11.5%
Hispanic: 13.9%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 95.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.1%

Location

Normal sits about 135 miles southwest of Chicago and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis, placing students within reach of two major metropolitan areas. The town of 54,000 residents revolves around Illinois State, creating a classic college town atmosphere in central Illinois. With 95% of students coming from in-state, the campus feels deeply rooted in Illinois culture. The surrounding prairie landscape offers flat terrain and wide-open spaces typical of the Midwest. Normal shares its identity with neighboring Bloomington, forming the "Twin Cities" that together house about 170,000 people. The area provides suburban amenities while maintaining that quintessential college town feel. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Illinois State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Normal, Illinois 61790-1000

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,117
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,006
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,482

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University accepts 86.24% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average ACT score is 24, reflecting the university's focus on providing quality education to a broad range of students rather than being highly selective.

How much does Illinois State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Illinois State University is $18,996 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,075 after aid, while the university is known for keeping education affordable for Illinois residents who make up 95.14% of the student body.

What is Illinois State University known for academically?

Illinois State University has built a strong reputation for teacher education and performing arts programs. With 18,414 students and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, the university maintains its historical mission of preparing educators while expanding into comprehensive research areas.

What are the career outcomes for Illinois State University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $62,117 ten years after graduation with 97.7% finding employment. The university's focus on practical programs and strong alumni network, including celebrities like John Malkovich and Jane Lynch, helps students transition successfully into their careers.

Where is Illinois State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Normal, Illinois, housing 6,578 students in residence halls out of 18,414 total enrollment. The Redbirds compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports, creating a active college town atmosphere in this midsize suburban setting.

Does Illinois State University have a strong performing arts program?

Illinois State University is nationally recognized for its performing arts programs, having produced notable actors including John Malkovich, Jane Lynch, and Laurie Metcalf. The university's theater and arts programs benefit from strong funding, with students graduating with a median debt of only $20,482 despite comprehensive training.