Illinois State University (ISU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Illinois State University
Set in a friendly Midwestern town, Illinois State University pairs a classic quad with a practical, student-first vibe. It's known for strong teaching, the arts, communication, business, technology, and the health and natural sciences. Students use modern labs and studios, a lively student center, residence halls, and a library that stays busy. Support runs deep, with advising, tutoring, counseling, and identity-based resources that meet students where they are.
Life moves at a welcoming pace. Friendly, not flashy. Clubs, concerts, theater, student media, and spirited Redbird games fill the week, while intramurals and green spaces offer a reset. The culture is collaborative and down-to-earth; people say hello. Career prep shows up in applied projects, internships, and a responsive career team with employer ties. The Normal community opens doors to real experience and access to bigger-city options. Traditions on the quad anchor the year, and notable alumni include Jane Lynch and Laurie Metcalf.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Illinois State University (ISU) offers 110 degree programs across 27 major academic fields, graduating approximately 5,726 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (12 programs, 1,164 graduates), Education (22 programs, 1,022 graduates), Health (12 programs, 651 graduates), Computer & IT (9 programs, 467 graduates) and Communication (4 programs, 287 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (12 programs, 1,164 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Management | 261 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Business Administration and Management | 229 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 166 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 166 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Management Science | 133 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
52.1301 |
| Construction Management | 59 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.2001 |
| International Business and Trade | 44 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
| Management Information Systems | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Insurance Studies | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1701 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 21 |
|
Master's
|
52.1399 |
| Organizational Leadership | 8 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0213 |
| Project Management | 4 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0211 |
Education (22 programs, 1,022 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Health (12 programs, 651 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 253 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology | 127 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
51.0204 |
| Dietetics | 114 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.3101 |
| Nursing and Nursing Administration | 77 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.3899 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
| Health Information Administration | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0706 |
| Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2206 |
| Athletic Training | 5 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3810 |
| Nursing Practice | 5 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Environmental Health | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2202 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 1 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3805 |
Computer & IT (9 programs, 467 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 187 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0701 |
| Software and Media Applications | 113 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11.0899 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 77 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
11.1003 |
| Information Technology | 44 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer and Information Technology Administration and Management | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.1099 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 10 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
11.0501 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0901 |
| Data Modeling and Database Administration | 8 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
11.0802 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 5 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
11.0801 |
Communication (4 programs, 287 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 145 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
09.0101 |
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 63 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
| Public Relations and Image Management | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0902 |
| Journalism | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
Social Sciences (6 programs, 261 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 93 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 78 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0701 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 17 |
|
Master's
|
45.0603 |
Arts (6 programs, 250 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 79 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0701 |
| Theatre Arts | 70 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0501 |
| Interior Design | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0408 |
| Music | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0901 |
| Studio Arts, General | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Music Performance | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0903 |
Psychology (3 programs, 213 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 192 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| School Psychology | 11 |
|
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42.2805 |
| Counseling Psychology | 10 |
|
Master's
|
42.2803 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 209 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 94 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 61 |
|
Master's
|
31.0501 |
| Parks and Recreation Management | 54 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0301 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 175 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 171 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0104 |
| Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation | 4 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
43.0405 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Illinois State University (ISU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Illinois State University (ISU)
How much does it cost to attend Illinois State University (ISU)?
The annual tuition at Illinois State University (ISU) is $14,121 for in-state students and $23,479 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $32,409 for in-state students and $41,767 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,584 (on) / $12,048 (off) and books and supplies $830.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Illinois State University offer?
Illinois State University (ISU) offers 110 academic programs across 27 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (12 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (22 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (12 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (9 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Illinois State University?
Illinois State University (ISU) has an 89% acceptance rate and a 22.3% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 20,884
- Students admitted: 18,589
- Students enrolled: 4,147
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Illinois State University?
Illinois State University (ISU) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,590 and average loans of $7,691.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,371
- State/Local grants: $6,456
- Institutional grants: $6,475
- Federal loans: $5,100
The university supports 3,818 students with grants and 1,884 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Illinois State University graduates?
Illinois State University (ISU) graduates earn a median salary of $50,599 after 6 years and $62,117 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $44,007 (25th percentile) to $86,157 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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