What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

You have your whole life ahead of you. Have fun and enjoy this exciting experience, but make wise decisions. Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can, not just from your studies, but also from the diverse classmates, professors, co-workers, roommates that you will cross paths with on your education journey. Most likely, this will be the only time in your life that you can focus soley on your education. Take advantage of it! Challenge yourself! Make experiences that you will remember forever! Take initiative to go above and beyond in your curriculum! Go for it!

Describe the students at your school.

My classmates are unique and willing to help me with problems that I may have. They are friendly and are willing to work together when group projects are assigned. Because I want to be a teacher, most of my classmates are female, but there are the occassional males present in class. I really like the classmates that I have come to know.

Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

ISU is a friendly, but acedemically grounded school that takes pride in its staff, students and atheltics.

Describe your favorite campus traditions.

My school is best known for their education programs.

What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

I consider the worst thing about my school is the location, I'm a city girl and living in close to farm area that doesn't have a lot to offer is difficult to explore and enjoy when time allows.

What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

there isnt anything i wish i had known beore. i think if i had known somethings about this school i wouldnt have gone here. Coming into this not knowing was the best thing for me, it pushed me out of my comfort zone.

What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone looking for large university opportunities with a small university feel.

What's unique about your campus?

I like the environment and people of ISU. It is a great place to be and is very conducive to learning. I feel a sense of belonging.

What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The most frustrating thing about ISU is the way people can act. It is a big university and people do not take the time to get to know one another

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

Research opportunities, career guidance, support for furthering education past undergraduate degrees.

What kind of person should not attend this school?

A person who likes the easy way out, and does not enjoy interacting in a social community of learners should not attend this school.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

I don't think I brag much about my school. The quad is beautiful nearly year round, peaking in the fall when the leaves change colors. I like that the faculty members of my major are very involved in our success as students, but I do not feel that is how it is with all majors.

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Stereotype: Most of the students are white and came here because they didn't get in to other schools such as U of I or Marquette. This is partially true; the school does seem to be predominately white, but there are all types of people here. Also, some people did not make it into those schools that are viewed with higher status, so they chose ISU, but there are others who chose ISU for their programs or simply because they really like it here. There are a lot of people here who are extremely smart and dedicated.

What is your overall opinion of this school?

There are so many great aspects of Illinois State! I absolutely love it here. I thought it would be a huge adjustment coming to such a large school because I came from a very small town where I graduated with only 37 people in my class. ISU is large, but the student body is so unified and the campus really has that hometown feel that I love. It makes me feel like I belong, and I absolutely love the amount of redbird spirit that we have here. The atmosphere surrounding the university is just right. It has that "college town" atmosphere with plenty of places to eat, little shops, a CVS, book stores, or anything else you might need right within walking distance. Even better, if it isn't within walking distance (like Wal-Mart), the city buses are free for students! Academically, it is also great because there are resources for anything and everything you might need, our library is great, and if someone cannot help you, he or she will help you find the person who can!

What are the academics like at your school?

The academics here at ISU is great. Since some of the classroom sizes are small the professors are able to know you by your name, and some professors make that their goal. My major is Broadcast Journalism and the School of Communication is a great department the staffs here do all they can to make their students successful. They are excellent teachers and teach you all they can, so you feel confident when you leave to graduate and enter the real world. They prepare you for that.

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

I am currently in S.S.I.D and the Chi Omega Sorority on campus. S.S.I.D is Students Serving Individuals with Disabilities. I have been able to become aware of various groups from posters around campus or e-mails that I will receive. On campus, there are so many different options for clubs you can be involved with. We also have many informational guest speakers come to school, and many popular artists come to the concert arena right by school. If you are interested in getting involved in something that appeals to you, you will have no problem finding a club or starting a club on campus to fit your needs.

Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

There are quite a few sports offered at ISU. There is football, volleyball, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, and much much more! However, I personally am not a sports maniac, so I do not know much more than what is offered... I have only gone to one football game, one basketball game, and one gymnastics meet since I have been here. If you have questions, I am sure I can find out for you :-)

Describe a day on campus you'll never forget.

I will absolutely never forget the night that Osama Bin Laden was killed. There were people EVERYWHERE rallying. The streets were absolutely filled with students showing support for their country. If you get a chance, search Osama death ISU rally to see the unity among ISU students. It was absolutely amazing and no words can describe how amazing it felt to be a part of this student body.

Why did you decide to go to this school?

They have a great Special Education program, the best in the state and high up in the nation. I majoring in Special Ed so I knew I would be adequately prepared once I graduate.

What is the stereotype of students at your school?

It is my third year here at ISU, and I, personally, have not heard any "stereotypes" of the students here.

Illinois State University

About Illinois State University

Founded in 1857, Illinois State University. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 18,643 full time undergraduate students, and 2,396 full time graduate students.

The Illinois State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 858 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Illinois State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate	88%
Application Deadline
Application Fee	50
SAT Range
ACT Range	21-26

Admissions at ISU are considered Less Selective, with ,115% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 31 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Illinois State University.

“We”re apathetic”

34%

“We know about current events and vote”

56%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

36%

“Sometimes, but not often”

47%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

15%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

“I only go out in groups”

46%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

50%

“I feel extremely safe”

24%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

31%

“We bought the gear”

45%

“We live for the big game”

10%

“It”s not really our thing”

18%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

58%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

14%

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

68%

“They keep regular office hours”

28%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

21%

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

73%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

18%

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

46%

“We only party on weekends”

34%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

“Never, we”re here to learn”

57%

“There might be people who do”

34%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

How would you rate on-campus housing?

268 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?

208 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?

274 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?

283 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?

283 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?

282 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?

283 Students rated local services 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?

283 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

Illinois State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Illinois State University?

128 Students rated Illinois State University

Kenz - 07/10/2024

I love the camp and it is very inclusive for everyone who attends. I love how many activities and cheap fun options there are just on campus. There are also so many restaurants and stores with school provided transportation. It is a great community and I love being on campus with all my friends.

Keel - 05/07/2024

When visiting the college, Illinois State University, I admire the student dynamic and the educational and important political conversation that takes place in and out of lectures. I was happy to see that students aren't usually using drugs or alcohol substances on campus.

Cristina - 04/04/2024

Overall, Illinois State University is a good school. It has great professors, opportunities for leadership, Greek life, and unique extracurriculars such as the Gamma Phi Circus. There are many different ways to get involved! Some courses may be difficult, but the professors, TAs and GAs are pretty good at helping you if you have any questions!

Chris - 02/03/2024

Illinois State University is a great place to learn and grow as an adult. There are many opportunities, there is a lot of great speakers that come through the campus, and the faculty is open and willing to help all you have to do is ask. A way to make your time great at the university will be getting involved in the community, studying hard, having fun, and trying to get the most out of every single moment that comes your way.

Illinois State University FAQS

What is the Acceptance Rate at Illinois State University?

The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Illinois State University is 88%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

You have your whole life ahead of you. Have fun and enjoy this exciting experience, but make wise decisions. Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can, not just from your studies, but also from the diverse classmates, professors, co-workers, roommates that you will cross paths with on your education journey. Most likely, this will be the only time in your life that you can focus soley on your education. Take advantage of it! Challenge yourself! Make experiences that you will remember forever! Take initiative to go above and beyond in your curriculum! Go for it!
Read all 269 answers
Describe the students at your school.

My classmates are unique and willing to help me with problems that I may have. They are friendly and are willing to work together when group projects are assigned. Because I want to be a teacher, most of my classmates are female, but there are the occassional males present in class. I really like the classmates that I have come to know.
Read all 61 answers
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

ISU is a friendly, but acedemically grounded school that takes pride in its staff, students and atheltics.
Read all 58 answers
Describe your favorite campus traditions.

My school is best known for their education programs.
Read all 53 answers
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

I consider the worst thing about my school is the location, I'm a city girl and living in close to farm area that doesn't have a lot to offer is difficult to explore and enjoy when time allows.
Read all 50 answers
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

there isnt anything i wish i had known beore. i think if i had known somethings about this school i wouldnt have gone here. Coming into this not knowing was the best thing for me, it pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Read all 49 answers
What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone looking for large university opportunities with a small university feel.
Read all 48 answers
What's unique about your campus?

I like the environment and people of ISU. It is a great place to be and is very conducive to learning. I feel a sense of belonging.
Read all 48 answers
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The most frustrating thing about ISU is the way people can act. It is a big university and people do not take the time to get to know one another
Read all 41 answers
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

Research opportunities, career guidance, support for furthering education past undergraduate degrees.
Read all 40 answers
What kind of person should not attend this school?

A person who likes the easy way out, and does not enjoy interacting in a social community of learners should not attend this school.
Read all 32 answers
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

I don't think I brag much about my school. The quad is beautiful nearly year round, peaking in the fall when the leaves change colors. I like that the faculty members of my major are very involved in our success as students, but I do not feel that is how it is with all majors.
Read all 28 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Stereotype: Most of the students are white and came here because they didn't get in to other schools such as U of I or Marquette. This is partially true; the school does seem to be predominately white, but there are all types of people here. Also, some people did not make it into those schools that are viewed with higher status, so they chose ISU, but there are others who chose ISU for their programs or simply because they really like it here. There are a lot of people here who are extremely smart and dedicated.
Read all 20 answers
What is your overall opinion of this school?

There are so many great aspects of Illinois State! I absolutely love it here. I thought it would be a huge adjustment coming to such a large school because I came from a very small town where I graduated with only 37 people in my class. ISU is large, but the student body is so unified and the campus really has that hometown feel that I love. It makes me feel like I belong, and I absolutely love the amount of redbird spirit that we have here. The atmosphere surrounding the university is just right. It has that "college town" atmosphere with plenty of places to eat, little shops, a CVS, book stores, or anything else you might need right within walking distance. Even better, if it isn't within walking distance (like Wal-Mart), the city buses are free for students! Academically, it is also great because there are resources for anything and everything you might need, our library is great, and if someone cannot help you, he or she will help you find the person who can!
Read all 18 answers
What are the academics like at your school?

The academics here at ISU is great. Since some of the classroom sizes are small the professors are able to know you by your name, and some professors make that their goal. My major is Broadcast Journalism and the School of Communication is a great department the staffs here do all they can to make their students successful. They are excellent teachers and teach you all they can, so you feel confident when you leave to graduate and enter the real world. They prepare you for that.
Read all 16 answers
What are the most popular student activities/groups?

I am currently in S.S.I.D and the Chi Omega Sorority on campus. S.S.I.D is Students Serving Individuals with Disabilities. I have been able to become aware of various groups from posters around campus or e-mails that I will receive. On campus, there are so many different options for clubs you can be involved with. We also have many informational guest speakers come to school, and many popular artists come to the concert arena right by school. If you are interested in getting involved in something that appeals to you, you will have no problem finding a club or starting a club on campus to fit your needs.
Read all 12 answers
Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

There are quite a few sports offered at ISU. There is football, volleyball, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, and much much more! However, I personally am not a sports maniac, so I do not know much more than what is offered... I have only gone to one football game, one basketball game, and one gymnastics meet since I have been here. If you have questions, I am sure I can find out for you :-)
Read all 5 answers
Describe a day on campus you'll never forget.

I will absolutely never forget the night that Osama Bin Laden was killed. There were people EVERYWHERE rallying. The streets were absolutely filled with students showing support for their country. If you get a chance, search Osama death ISU rally to see the unity among ISU students. It was absolutely amazing and no words can describe how amazing it felt to be a part of this student body.
Read all 4 answers
Why did you decide to go to this school?

They have a great Special Education program, the best in the state and high up in the nation. I majoring in Special Ed so I knew I would be adequately prepared once I graduate.
Read all 4 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school?

It is my third year here at ISU, and I, personally, have not heard any "stereotypes" of the students here.
Read all 4 answers

Student Body

Students

55%

female

45%

male

18,643

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,396

Total Grad Students

Out-Of-State

96%

In-State

International

Organizations

299

Student Organizations

Fraternities

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

28%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native

N/A

% Asian/Pacific Islander

% Black or African-American

% Hispanic/Latino

10%

% White or Caucasian

75%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

82% of students attending Illinois State University receive some sort of financial aid. 30% were awarded federal grants. While 62% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

$16,637

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$942

Books and Supplies

$9,850

Room and Board

27,429

Total On Campus

Family Income

Cost

$0 - $30K

$13,110

$30 - $48K

$14,783

$48 - $75K

$20,682

$75 - $110K

$24,959

$110K & UP

$25,671

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

Illinois State University

Normal IL , 61790-1000

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