Illinois State University
Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88.1%, annual tuition of $16,144, average net price of $19,398, and a national rank of #309 (Grade B+), with a 71.7% graduation rate, about 19,057 undergraduates, and median earnings of $62,507 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Management Information Systems and Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 81.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 71.8%, roughly 21.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Illinois State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Illinois State University graduates 71.7% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 81.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Illinois State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,144 |
| Books and Supplies | $830 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,754 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,874 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,309 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.1% of Illinois State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,568 to $28,224 depending on family income. Use Illinois State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,865/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,224/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $62,507
- 10-Year Median Earnings $62,117
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,482
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.0%
- Employment Rate 94.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Illinois State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Illinois State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Illinois State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Illinois State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Illinois State University graduates earn $62,507 median four years after graduation, +4% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-620
- SAT Math 490-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 19,057
- Full-Time Students 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Retention Rate 81.4%
- Graduation Rate 71.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Illinois State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Illinois State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 88.1%, Illinois State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 88.1% acceptance rate, Illinois State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Illinois State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Marketing, and Finance and Financial Management Services draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.7%
- Marketing 5.9%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.0%
- Agriculture, General 4.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.5%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $99,457
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $95,306
- 3. Construction Management $94,268
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $86,558
- 5. Insurance $85,527
- 6. Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $84,405
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General $84,395
- 8. Public Health $83,534
- 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $83,441
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $81,805
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $120,079
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $105,592
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $99,585
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $95,606
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $72,635
- 6. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) $69,642
- 7. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $66,546
- 8. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $65,027
- 9. Social Work (Master's Degree) $65,003
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $58,661
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $99,457—22% more than Accounting and Related Services ($81,805). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $120,079 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Illinois State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 428 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 291 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 245 graduates)
- Agriculture, General (Bachelor's Degree, 199 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 172 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (63 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Agriculture, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Sociology
- Insurance
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Construction Management
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Science
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Social Work
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Economics
- Public Health
- Music
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Engineering Technology, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Design and Applied Arts
- Physics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Apparel and Textiles
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Legal Support Services
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Graphic Communications
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Master's Degrees (31 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Music
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Psychology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Economics
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biology, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Agriculture, General
- Archeology
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (21 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Gerontology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Anthropology
- Security Science and Technology
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 19,057
- Full-Time Students 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Male Students 43.2%
- Female Students 56.8%
- Caucasian 63.7%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 14.3%
- Black 13.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Illinois State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Illinois State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Illinois State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Illinois State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Illinois State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Illinois State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Illinois State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #309 nationally with a 71.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,398 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $62,507 median earnings. The 71.7% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 81.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Illinois State University's Strengths
Ranked #309 with a B+ grade, Illinois State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Illinois State University excel at providing affordable education ($19,398 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Illinois State University's 81.4% retention and 71.7% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($62,507 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Illinois State University's 71.8% ROI and $19,398 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 71.7% graduation rate sits 9.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.4% first-year retention is 4.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 71.8% return on investment is 21.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,507 run about 4% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,398 is roughly $681 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.4% employment rate within three years sits 26.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 32.1% trails the national share by 2.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Illinois State University, a public university in Normal, IL, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #309 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 81.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 71.7% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 71.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,398 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,309.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,911 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,482 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $62,507 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 94.4% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 71.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
88.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Illinois State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Illinois State University's acceptance rate?
Illinois State University's acceptance rate is 88.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Illinois State University cost?
At Illinois State University, listed tuition and fees are $16,144 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,398. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Illinois State University's ranking?
Illinois State University ranks #309 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Illinois State University's graduation rate?
At Illinois State University, the graduation rate is 71.7%, and first-year retention is 81.4%.
What are Illinois State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Illinois State University report median earnings of $62,507 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Illinois State University's student population?
Illinois State University enrolls about 19,057 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Normal, IL 61790-1000
- Website illinoisstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$204.8M