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Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois 61790-1000

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Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek life

Known for business

Illinois State University is a public institution in Normal with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1127, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 18.4K undergraduates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,117 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,996.

Established
1857
Motto
Gladly We Learn and Teach
Mascot
Reggie Redbird
Type
Public research university
Conference
ACHA Divisions 1

Campus Visits

20 upcoming visits · Next: Thu, Apr 9 · Campus Visit
89%Acceptance
1127SAT Avg
18,414Students
19:1Student:Faculty
66%Grad Rate
$62,117Earnings 10yr
$18,996Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Illinois State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate89.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1127

Reading & WritingMid: 560
510620
MathMid: 540
500610

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 24
2227

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

89.0%

Trend

SAT Avg

1127

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$16,021
Tuition (out-of-state)$28,086
Room & Board$11,584
Books & Supplies$830
Total Cost of Attendance$32,458
Average Net Price$18,996
Median Debt at Graduation$20,482
Monthly Payment (10yr)$217

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,075
$30–48K$11,994
$48–75K$16,424
$75–110K$23,818
$110K+$26,853

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$18,996

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5500.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

131

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (138)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
18,414
Gender Split
56% / 44%
Women / Men
First Generation
30%
Pell Grant Recipients
30%

Race & Ethnicity

White 66%
Black 12%
Hispanic 14%
Asian 3%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate66.3%
Freshman Retention81.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$50,599
8 Years$57,276
10 Years$62,117

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$46,000
Men
$58,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#222
Forbes
#260
Washington Monthly
#128

More About This School

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

100Average

Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Chicagopop. 2.7M
118 mi(205 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
145 mi(251 min)
Indianapolispop. 880K
158 mi(274 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Illinois State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications