Illinois State University

Quick Facts about Illinois State University

• Founded: 1857
• Type: Public
• Students: 21,994
• International: 1%
• Campus: Urban
• Tuition: $25,000 – $28,114/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Intakes: August, January, May

About Illinois State University

Academics

Illinois State University offers a wide array of academic programs, with over 165 undergraduate majors, 90+ master's degree sequences, and 10 doctoral programs. Notable programs include Elementary Education & Teaching, General Marketing & Marketing Management, and Registered Nursing, which were among the most popular Bachelor's degree concentrations in 2023. The university emphasizes a teaching approach where 85% of classes are taught by professors, fostering direct engagement and mentorship. The George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is a focal point for entrepreneurship, providing resources and support for students interested in launching their own businesses.

International Students

Illinois State University is home to hundreds of international students from many countries, valuing diversity and promoting a global perspective. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers comprehensive support, including immigration advising, employment resources, and workshops. Programs like Academic English and Pathway Programs are available to help international students transition to a U.S. degree program, and the INTO Illinois State center provides academic resources and assistance with housing and wellness. While international students make up about 1% of the total student body, the campus offers numerous cultural organizations, such as the Chinese International Association and the Indian Student Association, to aid in cultural integration.

Campus & Location

Illinois State University is situated in Normal, Illinois, which is often ranked among the top college towns in the U.S. due to its quality of life. The campus features a well-maintained "Quad" with green spaces and sidewalks, serving as a central gathering point. Uptown Normal, adjacent to campus, offers a vibrant atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including the historic Normal Theater. Transportation around campus and the greater Bloomington-Normal area is facilitated by multiple bus services, with free access for students with a valid ID. The town is also conveniently located within a few hours' drive or train ride from major cities like Chicago and St. Louis.

Career Outcomes

Illinois State University demonstrates strong career outcomes for its graduates, with an overall graduation rate of 66%. The university's Career Services center helps students connect with employers, offering career advising, resume reviews, and internship opportunities. Graduates have found employment with notable organizations such as State Farm, Caterpillar Inc., and COUNTRY Financial. The George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies actively supports a startup culture through programs like the Startup Showcase, where students can pitch business ideas and receive funding.

Information for International Students at Illinois State University

Illinois State University in Normal, United States welcomes international students, with 1% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 1% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Illinois State University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Illinois State University:

• IELTS minimum: 6.5
• TOEFL minimum: 79
• Duolingo minimum: 105
• GPA minimum: 3
• Application fee: $55
• Selectivity: Open (60%+)
• Application deadline: Fall and Summer: November 1 (freshman), April 1 (Summer final); Spring: August 1 (priority), November 1 (final)

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Programs at Illinois State University (29 programs)

Illinois State University offers 29 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (20)

• Elementary Education (BS) — 48 months · English
  Prepares future educators to teach children in elementary school settings, covering curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant
• Elementary Education (BS) — 48 months · English
  Prepares future educators to teach children in elementary school settings, covering curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant
• Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr · STEM
  The Chemistry program provides a strong foundation in chemical principles and laboratory techniques. Students explore organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.
  Field: Chemistry
  Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Assistant, Quality Control Specialist
• English Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr
  The English Studies program explores literature, language, and writing. Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills through the study of diverse texts and rhetorical practices.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist
• Early Childhood Education (BS) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr
  This program prepares students to teach young children from birth through age eight. It focuses on child development, learning theories, and effective teaching strategies for early childhood settings.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Early Childhood Teacher, Child Care Director, Preschool Educator
• Criminal Justice Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English
  Students examine the causes of crime, the functions of the criminal justice system, and strategies for crime prevention and rehabilitation.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Forensic Scientist
• Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program provides a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics, developing problem-solving and analytical skills applicable to various fields.
  Field: Mathematics
  Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Data Scientist
• Marketing (BS) — 48 months · English
  This program teaches students how to identify consumer needs, develop effective marketing strategies, and manage brands in a dynamic global marketplace.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Advertising Specialist, Market Researcher, Sales Manager
• Actuarial Science (BS) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr · STEM
  This program combines mathematics, statistics, and business to prepare students for careers as actuaries. Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess financial risk.
  Field: Mathematics
  Career outcomes: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Underwriter
• History (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students explore past events, societies, and cultures, developing research, analytical, and interpretive skills essential for understanding the present.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Teacher
• Social Work (BSW) — 48 months · English
  This program prepares students for entry-level social work practice, focusing on helping individuals, families, and communities address social challenges.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Advocate, Community Organizer
• Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English
  This program provides a strong foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation, preparing students for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Specialist, Financial Analyst
• Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of computing and practical application of software development, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students learn about human behavior and mental processes, exploring topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Social Worker, Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist
• Finance (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students gain expertise in financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial planning, preparing them for careers in the financial services industry.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planner
• Information Systems (BS) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, implementation, and management of information systems within organizations. Students learn database management, systems analysis, and cybersecurity principles.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Database Administrator
• Special Education (BS) — 48 months · English · $15,000/yr
  This program prepares future educators to work with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. Students learn specialized instructional strategies, assessment, and individualized education program development.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Special Education Teacher, Inclusion Specialist, Educational Diagnostician
• Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention across diverse healthcare settings.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Public Health Nurse
• Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students explore diverse biological concepts, from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and evolution, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory and field settings.
  Field: Science
  Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional
• English (BA) — 48 months · English
  This program cultivates critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills through the study of literature, writing, and language.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist

Master Programs (7)

• Applied Economics (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
  This program provides advanced training in economic theory and quantitative methods, preparing students for careers as economists and analysts in various sectors.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economist, Data Analyst, Policy Analyst, Market Researcher
• Kinesiology and Recreation (MS) — 24 months · English
  Students explore the science of human movement, exercise physiology, and the management of recreational programs and facilities.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Exercise Physiologist, Recreation Manager, Sports Administrator, Fitness Professional
• Data Science (MS) — 24 months · English · $13,000/yr · STEM
  The Data Science program provides interdisciplinary training in statistics, computer science, and domain expertise. Students learn to extract insights from complex data using advanced analytical techniques.
  Field: Data Science
  Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst
• Counseling (MS) — 24 months · English · $13,000/yr
  The Master of Science in Counseling prepares students for careers as professional counselors. Specializations include clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Clinical Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, Therapist
• Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
  This program develops leadership and management skills, covering core business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Marketing Director
• School Psychology (MS) — 36 months · English
  Prepares students to provide psychological services in school settings, including assessment, intervention, and consultation for children and adolescents.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: School Psychologist, Educational Diagnostician, Child Advocate
• Communication (MA) — 24 months · English
  Students delve into advanced theories and research in various communication areas, including organizational communication, public relations, and media studies.
  Field: Communication
  Career outcomes: Communications Specialist, Public Relations Manager, Media Analyst, Researcher

PhD Programs (2)

• Curriculum and Instruction (PhD) — 60 months · English
  This doctoral program focuses on advanced research and scholarship in curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Curriculum Director, Policy Analyst
• Biological Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
  Students conduct original research in specialized areas of biology, contributing to scientific knowledge and preparing for careers in academia or advanced research.
  Field: Science
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Biotechnology Specialist, Pharmaceutical Researcher

Scholarships & Tuition at Illinois State University

Annual tuition for international students: $25,000 – $28,114/year

✅ Illinois State University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Illinois State University

• National Ranking: #209 in United States
• QS World University Ranking: #1401
• Ranking tier: Research University
• Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Illinois State University

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Urban

Key Highlights

• Oldest public university in Illinois
• Strong education and marketing programs
• Small college feel, big university opportunities
• Supports international student success
• Highly-rated college town location

Accreditation

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• American Council for Construction Education
• AACSB

Notable Alumni

• Gary Sinise
• Jane Lynch
• John Malkovich
• Michelle Williams
• Doug Collins

Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois State University

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