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Illinois State University: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses
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To learn more about admissions at Illinois State University, click here.
About Illinois State University
Illinois State University was founded in 1857 as a public research university and is located in Normal, Illinois, USA. The university has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which is one of the six regional accrediting agencies that has been recognized by the US Department of Education. According to the Shiksha Grade Rankings, Illinois State University has an overall ranking of #834 in World and #269 in USA.
The Illinois State University acceptance rate of around 86% along with an average GPA of 3.0 or more out of 4.0. The university currently has more than 21,000 students and over 1,000 international or out-of-state students coming from 47 states and 74 countries in the world.
The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in multiple areas of study. According to official sources, Illinois State University has a graduation rate of 73% or higher. Over the past decade, Illinois State University’s retention and graduation rates have been among the top 10% in the US.
Illinois State University Things To Know
Some of the important things to know about Illinois State University are given as follows:
| Parameters | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#834 in World and #269 in USA |
| Admission Rarity | 86% |
| Annual Tuition Cost |
UG: INR 20.18 L - INR 38.17 L PG: INR 6.31 L - INR 28.29 L |
| Average GPA | 3.0 out of 4.0 |
Illinois State University History
Illinois State Normal University was founded in February 1857 after the university's Governor signed the law creating it. The name of the university was chosen based on preparing the teachers for educational purposes. By the 1950s, Illinois State Normal University became one of the five teachers' colleges located in Illinois.
During 1963, the state had approved the change of the university name to Illinois State University which became effective by January 1964. The Illinois Board of Education had later recognized the school as a multipurpose liberal arts university in 1966.
Students can also read the Study Guide to the USA for International Students
Check out the below videos of Illinois State University for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
According to various sources, Illinois State University has acceptance rate of 86% which makes it less selective for international student admissions. Some general requirements to receive admission at university are mentioned below-
- ACT or SAT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- LOR
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Factors
The university offers over 165 undergraduates, more than 90 graduates, and around 10 doctoral programs in various specializations. Some of the popular specializations are Computer Science; Chemistry; Business Education; Biological Sciences; Information Systems; Business Administration; Psychology; Economics and more. The Illinois State University tuition fees range between INR 20L and INR 38L for UG, INR 12L, and INR 25L for PG. International students can check Illinois State University tuition fees for the popular programs from the below table:
Programs | First-year Tuition fees |
|---|---|
MS (18 months-3 years) | INR 12 L - 20 L |
BBA BTech (4 years) | INR 20 L - 23 L |
PG Certificate (9 months-1 year) | INR 6 L - 25 L |
MBA/PGDM (18-24 months) | INR 14 L - 17 L |
B Sc (4 years) | INR 20 L - 23 L |
INR 12 L - 25 L | |
MIM (18-24 months) | INR 14 L - 16 L |
BA ( 4 years) | INR 20 L - 23 L |
BBA (4 years) | INR 23 L |
International applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students can expect to hear a response by 3-4 weeks. The admission process at Illinois State University takes a complete approach, considering factors in the student's profile. Such factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during admission process.
Both Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University are reputed universities in Illinois. The universities are judged based on their acceptance rate, courses they provide, tuition fees, and placement rates. Students especially from India, look for universities that have easy selection criteria, affordable courses, and high placement rates. International students can refer to the below table for a comparison of both universities on different parameters:
Parameters | Eastern Illinois University | Illinois State University |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 68% | 86% |
Courses | UG programs-over 50 PG programs- around 36 | UG programs-over 165 PG programs- over 90 |
Placement chances | Low | High |
Tuition fee | UG programs-INR 9-13L PG programs- INR 11-24L | UG programs-INR 20-38L PG programs- INR 12-25L |
Illinois State University Ranking 2025
Illinois State University is among top universities in USA and globally. It ranked #237 in USA by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. University is also one of top ranked universities in world and it ranks #1401 in World University Ranking by QS in 2025.
According to US News and World Report, Illinois State University ranking is #209 in 2024, which showcases an improved trend when compared with 2024.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Illinois State University subject ranking for 2025 are given below:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| BBA | #235 |
| MSN | #131 |
| LL.M. | #188 |
#888
#259
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Some of the recent QS World Rankings of Illinois State University are given in the table below:
| Ranked by | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking | 1201-1400 | 1401+ |
To check more rankings of the university, click here.
Illinois State University Programs
Illinois State University is American university with global reach that attracts students and faculty worldwide. University offers more than 165 UG majors, 90+ PG degrees, and 10 doctoral programs. Some popular courses at the university include Business and Management Marketing Communication and Journalism Visual and Performing Arts Social Sciences and Computer and Information Sciences
Jatin Kumar + 35 others got admitted through us.
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
Sharanya + 5 others got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The most popular undergraduate and graduate degree courses offered at Illinois State University are given in the pie chart below:
Others Denote Business, Commerce, Political Science and Government, Economics, etc.
Illinois State University Admission 2026
Students seeking admission to Illinois State University have to fill the online application form, submit mandatory documents and pay the application fee. Illinois State University accepts some exam scores at the time of admission, including English language exams. Some of the exam scores that Indian students have to submit for admission are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT and GRE. The documents that have to be submitted are SOP, LOR, Essay and CV.
- Application fees :USD 50
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Apart from the overall Graduate School requirements, candidates applying to a master's programme must also have a minimum 2.8 GPA on a scale of 4.0 in their bachelor's. Also, those applying to a specialist program must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 other than the overall graduate school requirements.
Illinois State University accepts applications during the Summer, Fall, and Spring intakes for international students. Some of the important application dates at the university are given in the table below:
| Spring Semester Event | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Final document deadline for enrollment | Jan 4, 2025 |
International students must submit any one of the following tests while applying for admission to Illinois State University.
- TOEFL internet-based (iBT): 79
- TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
- IELTS overall band score: 6.5
- Duolingo (DET): 105
These are the minimum scores required for these English proficiency exams.
Illinois State UniversityIllinois State University Scholarships
Illinois State University provides international scholarships to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels of study. The Office of International Engagement at Illinois State University offers a merit-based partial tuition waiver to continued degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. The award has been given to the students with a value of not more than USD 5,000 per semester. Some of the Illinois State University scholarships offered to international students at the university are given as follows:
- International House Merit Award
- International Student Emergency Fund
- Undergraduate International Admission Scholarships
- Graduate International Admission Scholarships
The eligibility requirements for the International House Merit Award are given as follows:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate international student at the university
- Must have a good academic background
- The student should have contributed to the internationalization of the university campus and student community through active involvement
- Must complete and submit the online application form
Students can read about the Scholarships to study in the USA for International Students
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
| ISU Scholarships | Details |
|---|---|
| ISU UG International Admissions Scholarships | The scholarship is valued up to USD 5,000 and is renewable for up to four years |
| ISU PG International Admissions Scholarships | The scholarship is valued up to USD 5,000 and is renewable for up to four years |
| Young America International Scholarship | The Young America International Scholarship is valued at up to USD 5,000. This is a one-time award that can be added to other admissions scholarships. |
| ISU - Presidential Scholarship | The scholarship is valued at up to USD 48,000 (up to USD 12,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years. |
| ISU - University Scholarship | The scholarship is valued at up to USD 40,000 (up to USD 10,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years). |
Yes, international students at ISU can get scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, for this, they need to get the minimum GPA as specified by the university. The scholarships at undergraduate and graduate levels are valued at up to USD 5,000. Another scholarship is available for high-achieving international undergraduates. This scholarship is known by the name Young America International Scholarship.
Yes Illinois State University provides various UG and PG Scholarships for international students. Below are the listed scholarships:
undergraduate International Admissions Scholarships: This is valued up to $5,000 and is renewable up to 4 years. It is given to international undergraduate students scoring a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0.
Graduate International Admissions Scholarships: This is valued up to $5,000 and is renewable for up to 2 years. It is given to international graduate students scoring a minimum of 3.5 GPA on a scale of 4.0.
Young America International Scholarships: A scholarship that is valued up to USD 5,000. It is offered to the highest-achieving international undergraduate students.
Illinois State University Popular Courses
18 monthsIllinois State University Placements
Illinois State University offers career services to its students that help them connect with employers and get the desired full-time jobs and internships. As per the Emolument, the highest average salary for Illinois State graduates is for Finance Control & Strategy professionals at USD 135,000. Some of the placement highlights at the university are given as follows:
| Category* | Data |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 73% or higher |
| Average Salary | USD 51,000 or more |
*This information is sourced from official website/ media reports and is subject to change.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
The alumni placement highlights at Illinois State University are given as follows:
- Some of the top alumni organizations at Illinois State University include Caterpillar Inc, OSF Healthcare, CDW, Deloitte, Microsoft, Salesforce, TEKsystems, Google, etc.
- A few of the top alumni industries at Illinois State University include Operations, Information Technology, Business Development, Community and Social Services, Sales and Human Resources, etc.
- The top alumni course preferences at Illinois State University are Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Psychology, Economics, Computer Sciences, etc.
Students can also check the Top In-Demand Jobs for Indian Students in the USA
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The retention rates of ISU remain among the highest in the nation at over 80.3%. Illinois State’s graduation rate is also high at 67%. The graduation rate is also above the national average.
Illinois State University offers employment to graduate students and alumni in some of the top industries or organizations within a few months of graduation. Some of the popular job sectors at the university are given as follows:
Illinois State University has offered employment to alumni members in some of the top companies or organizations within and after a few months of graduation. Some of the top employers at the university are given as follows:
- State Farm
- Caterpillar Inc
- OSF Healthcare
- AbbVie
- Aon
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
Illinois State University Fees
The annual tuition fees for international Undergraduate courses at Illinois State University ranges between INR 20.18 Lakhs and INR 38.17 Lakhs and for postgraduate courses it ranges between INR 6.31 Lakhs and INR 28.29 Lakhs. The costs of attendance for international students for students living on-campus are given as follows:
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 23,048 |
| Fees | USD 4,078 |
| Food and Housing | USD 11,754 |
| Direct/Billable Costs | USD 38,880 |
| Books and Supplies | USD 830 |
| Transportation | USD 2,452 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 3,422 |
| Indirect Costs | USD 6,704 |
| Total Estimated Cost | USD 45,584 |
Students can check their Eligibility to Study in the USA for International Students
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(25 courses) | INR 10 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
B.E. / B.Tech(14 courses) | INR 21 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 71 - 81, PTE: 48 - 55, Duolingo: 95 - 110 |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | INR 15 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
B.Sc.(17 courses) | INR 21 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 48 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
BSN(3 courses) | INR 25 L - 40 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 48 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
BBA(14 courses) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 48 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
M.A.(15 courses) | INR 13 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
Others PG(4 courses) | INR 13 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
LL.M.(1 course) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
M.Agri.(1 course) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
International applicants who want to apply at Illinois State University are required to submit the documents mentioned on the official website. Some of the requirements at the university are mentioned below :
- Unofficial and Official Academic Reports
- Academic Transcripts from all schools and institutions attended
- English Language Test scores
- GRE/GMAT scores
- 55% average percentage in UG
- Additional supporting documents
GRE is one of the accepting exams for some of the courses of the university. However, it is not mandatory to qualify GRE for getting into Illinois State University. Candidates must check the course-wise requirements to know if GRE is an accepting exam for the course one is applying for. Apart from GRE, candidates who have qualified GMAT can also apply for postgraduate courses at Illinois State University.
- LOR: MBA applicant must submit an LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters.
- Statement of purpose ( an SOP): An SOP is essential for the application process for the Illinois Institute of Technology. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants.
- Transcripts and degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral programme may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant.
- English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is accepting:
- Entrance exam: GMAT or GRE scores are only required if students' undergraduate GPA or graduate GPA (minimum of 9 hours) is less than 3.0.
- Resume/CV: The University also ask student for a CV or a resume depending on the course they choose for professional experience.
Illinois State University has different GPA requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants. Freshmen applicants will be required to submit a self-reported average GPA of 3.3 or more out of 4.0. Other than the Graduate School requirements for international applicants, the graduate students are required to submit an average of 2.8 GPA out of 4.0. Students must check the graduate programme specific eligibility as the GPA can have a higher requirement and they might be required to submit their GRE or GMAT scores as well.
Illinois State UniversityStudent profile
Others
73%
Hispanic
12%
Black
10%
Asian
2%
In state
95%
Out of state
3%
24 and under
95%
25 and over
4%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Illinois State University Notable Alumni
Alumni Association at Illinois is known to be a volunteer organization with 2 Lakh plus alumni members. Some of the well-known names at university are mentioned in the table below -
| Name | Profession | Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| John Malkovich | American Actor |  |
| Gary Alan Sinise | American actor of stage and screen |  |
| Jane Marie Lynch | American actress, comedian and singer |  |
| Craig Phillip Robinson | American actor and comedian |  |
| Tenitra Michelle Williams | American singer and actress |  |
| Rathindranath Thakur | Indian educationist, agronomist aand painter |  |
College comparison
Compare Illinois State University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 9.7 L - 26.47 L | #222 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 11.49 L - 30.34 L | #358 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 12.73 L - 49.03 L | #283 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.25 L - 15.24 L | -/- | |
| INR 12.61 L - 29.55 L | #232 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 16.6 L - 44.05 L | #169 US News, 2026 |
CompareIllinois State UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Illinois State University FAQs
New students are required to submit a non-refundable application fee or documentation for an application fee waiver. The application will not be processed until the application fee or fee waiver verification is received. This fee or waiver must be received by the supporting document deadline. Due to the Declaration of Finances required, International applicants are not eligible for an application fee waiver.
- Undergraduate students must submit a nonrefundable $55 application fee.
Graduate Application Fees
- Athletic Training (ATCAS) - $93; $55 for each subsequent application
- BusinessCAS (Any College of Business graduate program) - $83
- Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDCAS) - $137; $55 for each subsequent application
- GradCAS (all other graduate programs) - $63
- Visiting graduate students - $55
Illinois State University offer accommodation to international students. Here are the features of the campus accommodation:
- A linen service is available or participants may bring their own bedding.
- Laundry facilities are also available in each area of campus.
- A 24-hour front desk is located in each building and provides information and other services.
- Swimming, tennis, and golf are just a few of the recreational options provided at the university. Sailing, canoeing, and picnic facilities are located close to campus.
All students living on campus in a residence hall (Haynie, Hewett, Manchester, Watterson, Wilkins, and Wright) are required to purchase an on-campus student meal plan. As students living in Cardinal Court have a full kitchen in their apartments, meal plans are optional for those residents.
Students living in off-campus housing may choose to purchase an off-campus student meal plan.
On average, a student spends approximately INR 93,000 in a month to fulfil living costs in USA. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Books and study material | USD 900 - 2,000 per year |
Travel | USD 300 - 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 - 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 - 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 - 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 - 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 - 1,100 per year |
Clothes | USD 500 per year |
Water, Trash and Sewer | USD 50 - USD 75 per month |
Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person.
Illinois State University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 6 months ago
Housing options along with their rates at ISU are given below:
Residence | Type | Annual rate for 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
- | Triple Room | USD 5,514 (INR 4,77,300) |
- | Double Room | USD 6,486 (INR 5,61,400) |
- | Quad Room | USD 6,486 (INR 5,61,400) |
- | Single Room | USD 8,632 (INR 7,47,200) |
Haynie at Tri-Towers, Hewett-Manchester, Manchester | Double Room in Suite | USD 8,762 (INR 7,58,400) |
Wright Hall at Tri-Towers | Single Room in Suite | USD 10,056 (INR 8,70,400) |
Watterson Towers | Super Single Room in Suite | USD 11,094 (INR 9,60,300) |
1 USD = 86.56
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Illinois State University offers more than 165 undergraduate, 90+ postgraduate and 10 doctoral degree programs for international students every year. Some of the popular majors at the university are given as follows:
- Business and Management
- Marketing
- Education
- Health professions and related support se
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
The Illinois State University acceptance rate is 86%. This shows that the university follows moderate selection criteria when it comes to ISU admission. Students with average academic performance still have some chances of selection, though they must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria. The param
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Illinois State University is better than the University of Illinois in terms of acceptance rate, tuition fees. However, here is the table of comparison for both the universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance rate | Annual fees |
Illinois State University | #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings | 92% | INR 28 L-19.8 L - 24.3 L (UG) INR 17.3 L ( PG) |
University of Illinois | #317 QS World University Rankings | 78% | INR 19.8 L - 24.3 L (UG) INR 21.6 L - 29.4 L (PG) |
(A comparison of the Annual fee was on the BBA course for UG and MBA for PG however, if students are looking for more co
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Acceptance rate of Illinois State University is 86%. It shows that it is less competitive. This also shows that interested students should be prepared for admission. Early application can be a benefit as it provides students a better chance of getting into the university.
A
Contributor-Level 10
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Illinois State University
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Illinois State UniversityLocation
| University City | Normal, Illinois, USA |
Illinois State UniversityCampuses
100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761, USA
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