Illinois State University

Illinois State University (ISU) is a public research university in Normal, Illinois. The university was established in 1857, and according to the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, this institute is one of the top ten US institutions that produce teachers.

Illinois State University is known for its vital programs in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as in education and business. The university provides 165 or more undergraduate majors, 90 or more master's degree sequences, and 10 PhD programs in various disciplines, including the natural and applied sciences, the arts and humanities, and social sciences. Accountancy, art, chemistry, computer science, history, and other topics are among the undergraduate and graduate degree subject areas. Some of the academic English and route programs are also available.

There are 20,784 students enrolled at Illinois State University. 18,330 of them are undergraduates, while 2,454 are graduate students. India, China, Brazil, Germany, and 69 other nations send students abroad to this university.

In addition to its academic programs, Illinois State University (ISU) offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in outside of the classroom. These activities include student organizations covering various interests, athletics programs, Greek life, and service and volunteering opportunities. The university is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and fields teams in several sports, including football, basketball, and soccer. There are also more than 20 fraternity and sorority chapters on campus, offering students the opportunity to get involved in social, service, and leadership activities.

Why Illinois State University?

There are many reasons why students may choose to attend Illinois State University (ISU). Some of the key reasons include the following:

• Academic solid programs: ISU is known for its vital programs in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as in education and business. The university offers over 160 undergraduate and graduates degree programs in various fields.
• Diverse student body: ISU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. This diversity creates a vibrant community on campus.
• Inclusive and welcoming environment: ISU is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion and offers resources and support services to help students succeed.
• Extracurricular activities: ISU is home to several extracurricular activities, including more than 300 student organizations and various athletics programs. This allows students to get involved in activities outside of the classroom and build relationships with their peers.
• Affordable tuition: As a public university, ISU offers affordable tuition compared to many private institutions. The university also provides various financial aid options to help students pay for their education.

University Highlights 

Main Intakes

Illinois State University has multiple intakes throughout the year, including fall, spring, and summer. The fall semester typically begins in August and ends in December, while the spring semester typically begins in January and ends in May. The summer term is usually shorter and starts in May or June.

Scholarships

Redbird Academic Scholarships

Redbird Academic Scholarships are automatically given to incoming students and vary in value from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Domestic freshmen with academic talent are eligible for this scholarship program.

Presidential Scholarship

Up to $12,000 annually for three years is awarded as part of the Presidential Scholarship, which has a maximum grant of $48,000. 

University Scholarship

First-generation college students or new freshmen from historically underrepresented groups are given the University Scholarship. This scholarship is worth up to $40,000 (renewable for an additional three years at a rate of $10,000 per year). Freshmen who apply for admission and satisfy the requirements for the University Scholarship will be allowed to apply for this prize. 

McLean County Full Tuition Scholarship

For exhibiting leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community, incoming first-year students from McLean County are given the McLean County Full Tuition Scholarship.

Legacy Scholarship

New transfer and first-year students with a parent or grandparent who attended Illinois State are eligible for the Legacy Scholarship. The prize will be sent to qualified applicants who submit an application for admission during the desired filing period.

Application Process

The following steps outline the general application process at ISU:

Determine Program Eligibility

ISU has specific requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. These requirements include having a high school diploma or GED and meeting the university's GPA and test score requirements.

Choose Program

ISU offers over 160 undergraduate and graduates degree programs in various fields. Students should carefully research the programs they are interested in and ensure they meet specific requirements or prerequisites.

Gather Materials and Submit the Application

To apply to ISU, students must submit a completed application, transcripts from their high school or college, and test scores (ACT or SAT). The university also requires letters of recommendation and a personal statement from applicants.

ISU has rolling admissions, meaning students can apply any time during the year. The university typically begins reviewing applications in the fall for the following academic year, with the priority deadline for applications being December 1st. However, students can still apply after this deadline and will be considered for admission on a space-available basis.

Wait for Decision

Once ISU has received all the required materials, the university will review the application and make an admission decision. Students will be notified of their admission status within a few weeks of applying. 

Documents required:

• Official or Citified copies of High School Transcripts
• Educational History Form 
• Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT/ACT) are accepted.
• English Language proficiency test score
• Motivation Statement
• Recommendation letter (optional/upon request) 

FAQs

What is the acceptance rate of Illinois State University?

The acceptance rate at Illinois State University is 91.5% as of 2020.

Where is the Illinois State University?

Illinois State University is located at 100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761, USA.