Illinois State University Overview

Illinois State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Normal, IL. It has an enrollment of 17,632 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 91.54%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,579. Tuition is $15,319.00 without financial aid.

Illinois State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Illinois State University, 83.20% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Illinois State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1.

Illinois State University Website

Illinois State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 91.54%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1125.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 24.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Illinois State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,579. The in-state tuition is $15,319.00. Out-of-state tuition is $26,843.00

The average tuition is:

• $13,770, when family income is less than $30,000

• $15,261, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $18,842, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $24,690, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $26,867, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 49.82% of students received a federal student loan and 29.89% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $26,843.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Illinois State University Net Price Calculator

Illinois State University Majors/Salaries

Illinois State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Illinois State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agriculture, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,542
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $44,021
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,851
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,829
• Graphic Communications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,996
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,990
• Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,856
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $46,589
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,584
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $38,289
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,054
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,546
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $45,696
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,693
• Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,992
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,381
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $48,432
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,840
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,222
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,658
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,896
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,742
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,593
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $41,667
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,274
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,554
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $44,895
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,422
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,274
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,822
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,532
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Master’s Degree) – $28,236
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,499
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $29,685
• Visual and Performing Arts, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,455
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $57,770
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,999
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,856
• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,358
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,439
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,194
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $95,930
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,711
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $72,884
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,470
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $64,791
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,781
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,356
• Management Information Systems and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,112
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,589
• Insurance. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,581
• Construction Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,101
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,823

Illinois State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Illinois State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.10%
• Asian: 2.56%
• Black: 10.06%
• Hispanic: 12.36%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.05%
• Non-resident alien: 0.73%
• Two or more races: 3.55%
• Unknown: 0.43%
• White: 70.16%

At Illinois State University, 4.12% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Illinois State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University has a strong school spirit, with a wide variety of events and traditions that bring students, faculty, and alumni together in celebration of the university. Redbird pride is ingrained in the culture of the university, and the campus community takes pride in the university’s athletic teams, including the Redbirds football team. Some of the traditions that enhance school spirit at Illinois State University include the Homecoming parade, the Festival ISU celebration, and the annual bonfire and pep rally before big games. Additionally, Illinois State students are involved in a number of clubs and organizations that promote school spirit and engagement on campus.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to its students. Some of the popular extracurricular activities at Illinois State University include: 1. Greek Life 2. Intramural Sports 3. Student Government Association 4. The Daily Vidette- the student-run newspaper 5. A variety of cultural and diversity organizations, such as the Black Student Union and the Hispanic/Latino(a) Student Association. There are also academic and professional organizations that offer students opportunities to network and enhance their skills. Additionally, the University provides many leadership development programs and community service projects during the academic year.

How are the food choices at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University offers a variety of food choices for its students. There are several dining halls, food courts, cafes, and food trucks on campus that serve a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Italian, Asian, and American. The dining halls have vegetarian and vegan options as well as special diet options for students with allergies or dietary restrictions. Students can also use the campus meal plan at off-campus restaurants and cafes for more food options. Overall, Illinois State University has many food choices for students to choose from.

Is there Greek life at Illinois State University?

Yes, Illinois State University has a number of fraternities and sororities that fall under the umbrella of their Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. There are four governing councils that oversee the different Greek organizations on campus: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). Together, these councils support 42 recognized fraternities and sororities at Illinois State University.

What is Illinois State University known for?

Illinois State University is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in education, business, nursing, and the arts. The university is also recognized for its commitment to experiential learning, diversity and inclusion, and its efforts to develop leaders who make a difference in their communities. Additionally, Illinois State is the oldest public university in the state, with a rich history and a vibrant campus community.

What are the most popular school clubs at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University offers a wide range of clubs and organizations for its students. Some of the most popular clubs at Illinois State University include the Student Government Association, the International Student Association, the Black Student Union, the Association of Latin American Students, the Asian Pacific American Coalition, the Redbird Gaming Club, and the Social Work Student Association. Other popular clubs include intramural sports clubs, academic clubs, and hobby-specific clubs. There is something for everyone at Illinois State University, and students are encouraged to get involved in clubs and organizations that interest them.

Is the campus at Illinois State University safe?

Illinois State University has a fairly safe campus, with a low crime rate. The university takes safety very seriously and has a number of measures in place to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. These include a campus police department that employs both sworn officers and security personnel, emergency alert systems that allow the university to disseminate information quickly in the event of an emergency, and well-lit pathways and parking lots. Additionally, the university provides safety escorts, counseling services, and educational programs to promote student safety. However, as with any campus, it is important for students to take personal safety precautions and report any suspicious activity to campus authorities.