About
Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university located in Normal, Illinois, about 130 miles southwest of Chicago. It was founded in 1857 as the Illinois State Normal University, and it is the oldest public university in Illinois. ISU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,000+ students, and it offers 200+ degree programs in various fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and technology. Illinois State University fees for international students are $50,822 (INR 42,31,150) per year for undergraduate courses and $44,180 (INR 36,78,180) per year for graduate programs.
What is the acceptance rate of Illinois State University?
The Illinois State University acceptance rate is 89%, which makes it less selective and competitive to get into. ISU is consistently recognized as one of the best public universities in the nation. In the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, Illinois State University ranking is #209 among national universities. ISU is also ranked among the top 10% of all public schools in the nation for retention rate, graduation rate, and loan repayment rate.
Overall, Illinois State University is renowned for its strong academic programs, its commitment to student success, and vibrant campus life. The university offers many student support services, and has several student organizations and clubs, allowing students to participate in activities that interest them and make new friends. Illinois State University QS ranking in 2024 is 1401+.
Top Reasons to Study in the Illinois State University
Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at Illinois State University. Here are some of the top reasons:
- Academics: Illinois State is a top-ranked public university with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. The school is known for its strong programs in business, education, health, and the arts.
- Retention and graduation rates: Illinois State University has one of the highest retention and graduation rates in the nation. This means that students are more likely to stay in school and complete their degrees on time.
- Diversity and inclusion: Illinois State is a diverse and inclusive campus with students from all over the world. The school is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
- Affordability: Illinois State University is a very affordable university, especially compared to other public and private universities in the Midwest. The school offers many financial aid options to help students pay for college.
- Location: Illinois State is located in the town of Normal, Illinois, which is just a short drive from Chicago and St. Louis. This gives students easy access to both big-city and small-town life.
These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will learn and explore at Illinois State University. To know more, click here.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
89%
Application Fee
$50 - $83
How to Apply at Illinois State University
Illinois State University offers 200+ degree programs in various fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and technology. International students must follow these steps to smoothen the application process to ISU:
Be an early bird: Illinois State University admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying.
|
Admission Intake |
Application Deadline for UG courses |
Application Deadline for Graduate courses |
|
Summer Intake (May/June) |
Apr 1, 2024 |
Apr 1, 2024 |
|
Fall Intake (August) |
Rolling Basis |
May 1, 2024 |
|
Spring Intake (January) |
Nov 1, 2023 |
Closed |
Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.
Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through the Illinois State University Application Portal and the Common Application.
Submit all required supporting documents, including:
- Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
- A financial statement.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors.
- A personal statement.
- Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.
Pay the application fee: Illinois State University application fee for international students is $55 (INR 4,580).
Documents Required to Apply to Illinois State University
Illinois State University acceptance rate is 92%, making it less selective and competitive to get into. However, international students must keep the following documents handy to make the application process hassle-free:
UNDERGRADUATE
|
DOCUMENT |
DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
|
High School Transcripts |
Official transcripts, translated into English. |
|
Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at ISU, in 500 words. |
|
|
Financial Statements |
Showcase your ability to fund your education and other utilities for at least a year. |
|
Standardized Scores |
SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, and PTE Scores. |
|
Application Fee |
Non-refundable application fee of $55 (INR 4,580). |
POSTGRADUATE
|
DOCUMENT |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Bachelor’s Degree (US Equivalent) |
Official transcripts, translated into English. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
From academic counselors or others. |
|
Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at ISU. |
|
|
Resume or CV |
Talk about your work experience, certifications, and other achievements. 3+ years of work experience is recommended. |
|
Other Supporting Materials |
Work/Writing samples, portfolio work, and research proposal. |
|
Standardized Scores |
GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL Scores. |
|
Application Fee |
Non-refundable application fee of $55 (INR 4,580). |
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
Normal, Illinois has many transportation options available to residents and visitors alike, including:
Public Transportation: There are some public transportation options available in Normal:
- Connect Transit is a public bus system that serves Bloomington and Normal. 22 fixed routes operate Monday through Saturday, and paratransit service is also available.
- Amtrak provides passenger rail service to Normal through the Uptown Station. The Illinois Service and Texas Eagle Service both stop at Normal daily.
- Burlington Trailways provides intercity bus service to Normal. There are daily buses to and from Chicago, St. Louis, and other major cities.
- Driving: Normal is located at the intersection of two major highways: Interstate 55 and Interstate 74. This makes it easy to get to and from Normal by car. There is also a good network of state and local roads within the town.
- Biking and Walking: Normal has a growing network of bike lanes and bike paths. The Constitution Trail is a paved trail that runs through the heart of Normal and connects to other trails in the Bloomington-Normal area.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: There are several taxi companies and ride-hailing services operating in Normal. These can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you don't have a car.
Services offered by the university
Illinois State University offers several services to its students, including:
- Academic services: These include registration assistance, enrollment verification, transfer credit evaluation, application for graduation, testing services, and academic advising.
- Student support services: These include the Dean of Students Office, which provides support for students in areas such as academics, personal development, and financial aid; the Student Health Services, which provides medical and mental health care to students; and the Center for Student Access and Accommodation Services, which provides support to students with disabilities.
- Residential life services: These include housing, dining, and recreational activities.
- Campus involvement services: These include student government, clubs and organizations, and intercollegiate athletics.
- Career services: These include career counseling, resume and cover letter writing assistance, and interview preparation.
These are some basic services provided by Illinois State University. However, some special services are also offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
Student life at Illinois State University
With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by Illinois State, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at Illinois State University:
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Housing and Dining
Illinois State University offers various housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek housing. The residence halls are home to over 9,000 students and offer many amenities, including laundry facilities, kitchens, and study rooms.
Illinois State University also has many dining options available to students. The university's dining program is rated among the top 10 percent of all dining programs in the U.S. Students can choose from various meal plans, including unlimited dining and flex meal plans.
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Get Involved
There are over 300 student organizations at Illinois State University, so there is something for everyone to get involved in. Students can join organizations based on their academic interests, hobbies, or social causes. Some of the most popular student organizations include:
- Greek life
- Student government
- Honors societies
- Cultural organizations
- Performing arts organizations
- Recreational sports clubs
- Volunteering organizations
-
Health and Wellness
Illinois State University is committed to providing students with the resources they need to stay healthy. The university has a student health center that offers many services, including medical care, counseling, and pharmacy services. The university also has a state-of-the-art student fitness center that is free to all students.
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Hometown
Illinois State University is located in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, which is a great college town with all the comforts of home. Bloomington-Normal is home to various restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The city also has some parks and recreation facilities.
These are just a few factors that make Illinois State University’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.
On campus accomodation at Illinois State University
Illinois State University offers many on-campus accommodation options for undergraduate students. These options include:
- Residence halls are the most popular type of on-campus housing at Illinois State. They offer various room types, including single rooms, double rooms, and triple rooms. Residence halls also offer many amenities, such as common areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
- Cardinal Court is an apartment-style housing complex that offers students the opportunity to live in their apartments with the benefits of living in university housing. Cardinal Court apartments are furnished and offer various amenities, such as full kitchens, washer and dryer units, and private patios or balconies.
- Fell Avenue and School Street apartments are also apartment-style housing complexes that offer students the opportunity to live in their apartments with the benefits of living in university housing. Fell Avenue and School Street apartments are unfurnished and offer many amenities, such as full kitchens, washer and dryer units, and parking.
In addition to these on-campus housing options, Illinois State University also offers a limited number of university-owned houses and apartments for rent.
To apply for on-campus housing at Illinois State University, students must submit a housing application and pay a housing deposit. The housing application process usually opens in February for the following fall semester.
For more information about on-campus housing at Illinois State University, please visit the University Housing Services website.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
Illinois State University has a vast faculty, and some of its statistics are:
- Total faculty: 1,355
- Faculty-to-student ratio: 19:1
- Percentage of faculty with terminal degrees: 93%
- Percentage of faculty who are minorities: 14.7%
- Percentage of faculty who are female: 52%
- 747 faculty members are also Illinois State alumni.
- The longest-serving faculty member has worked at Illinois State for 46 years.
- There are 11 faculty members with Leap Year Day birthdays.
- Illinois State has various unique faculty job titles, including police officers, carpenters, a horticulturist, curators of art, a pharmacist, scientific artist, and coordinator of energy education.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at Illinois State University
Illinois State University offers many internships and part-time job opportunities for students of all majors and skill levels. These opportunities are available on campus, off campus, and remotely.
Internships are a great way to gain real-world experience in your field of study and network with potential employers. Illinois State University has some internship programs in place, including:
- Hire-A-Redbird is a job and internship board that connects Illinois State University students with employers. Students can create a profile and apply to internships directly through the website.
- The College of Business offers various internship opportunities for MBA students. Students can work with internship coordinators to find an internship that meets their interests and goals.
- The School of Communication offers many internship opportunities for students in advertising, public relations, journalism, and media studies. Students can work with internship coordinators to find an internship that meets their interests and goals.
In addition to these programs, many departments and colleges at Illinois State University offer internship opportunities. Students can contact their academic advisor or department chair to learn more about available internships.
Part-time job opportunities are also offered for students, which are available in various departments and areas, including:
- The Student Employment Office helps students find part-time jobs on campus. Students can apply for jobs online or in person at the Student Employment office.
- Federal Work-Study is a federal program that provides part-time jobs to eligible students. Students can apply for Federal Work-Study jobs through the Student Employment office.
- Off-Campus Jobs: Illinois State University also has several off-campus job partners. Students can find listings for off-campus jobs on the Hire-A-Redbird website.
Working can be elemental, especially for international students. Through the array of opportunities Illinois State University offers, you will find internships or part-time jobs on campus and in the surrounding community.
Placement of Illinois State University
Job Placements: Illinois State University graduates have a strong track record of job placement. In 2023, 96% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Hiring Companies: The top employers of Illinois State University graduates include:
- Growmark
- Wintrust Financial Corporation
- Liberty Mutual Insurance Group
- Pekin Insurance Company
- Sears Holdings Corporation
- Sun Life Financial Inc.
- Medline Industries Inc.
- Ipsos
- State Farm Insurance
- Caterpillar
- Abbott Laboratories
- Deloitte
Salaries: The average starting salary for Illinois State University graduates is $55,000 (INR 45,78,990). The highest-paid graduates are in the fields of finance, IT, and healthcare.
Photo Gallery
Popular Courses · 219
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Last updated August 14, 2026