Overview
Illinois State University is a accessible public four-year institution in Normal, Illinois. The school accepts 86.2% of applicants and enrolls 18,414 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,105
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,000–1,210
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 24
- Total Enrollment
- 18,414
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Illinois State University accepts applications through the Common Application with a priority deadline of November 15 for fall admission, though you can apply as late as March 1. You'll need to submit your high school transcript, but test scores are optional for most programs.
The nursing program requires separate application materials and has much more competitive admission than the university overall. Construction management and computer science also have additional requirements beyond general admission. Check specific program pages early since some have earlier deadlines or prerequisite courses.
Housing applications open in October for the following fall, and popular residence halls fill quickly. You'll need to submit your housing contract and deposit soon after your admission acceptance to secure your preferred location. Campus visit days happen throughout the year and include academic department sessions.
Registration for new student orientation opens in March. You'll complete math and English placement tests during orientation unless you have qualifying transfer credits or test scores. Academic advisors will help you register for fall classes during your orientation session.
The campus sits in Normal-Bloomington, a college town about two hours south of Chicago. Public transportation connects campus to the downtown area. Most students live on campus their first year, with apartment-style residence halls available for upperclassmen. The Bone Student Center serves as the main hub for dining and student activities.
Illinois residents can apply for MAP grants and other state aid through FAFSA. Complete your FAFSA by the state deadline in March to maximize financial aid eligibility. The university offers payment plans if you need to spread tuition costs across the semester.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $18,996/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $16,021
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $28,086
- Students Receiving Aid
- 30%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,117/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Illinois State University has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Illinois State University?
Illinois State University has a rolling admissions process with priority deadlines. The priority deadline for fall admission is March 1, though applications are accepted after this date on a space-available basis.
How many credit hours can transfer students bring to Illinois State University?
Illinois State University accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours from four-year institutions. Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at ISU to earn a degree.
Does Illinois State University offer early admission or early action programs?
Illinois State University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through their regular rolling admissions timeline.