Overview
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From ISU
As Illinois’ first public university, Illinois State has a long history of providing incredible educational experiences for our students. Nearly 90 percent of our 21,000 Redbirds are undergraduates, meaning opportunities abound for research, involvement, and exploration from a student’s first days on campus.
Our average class size of 31 and compact, walkable campus make students immediately feel at home. They also love our hometown of Normal, IL, a perennial top 50 college town that has been recognized as the third least-stressed college town in the country and the eighth most affordable. Add in that we’re #1 on Forbes’ Best Small Places in Illinois for Business and Careers, and you can see why students don’t want to leave!
There are more than 20,000 ways to create your legacy at Illinois State. What will yours be?
University
Suburb
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial Aid & Affordability Overview
From Illinois State
Illinois State University is committed to keeping an exceptional educational experience accessible. That’s why four in five Redbirds receive financial aid, and our total cost falls in the lower half of public universities in the state of Illinois. What’s more, one third of Illinois State students graduate with no debt.
At Illinois State we are committed to helping you manage college costs so you can focus on creating your legacy.
Scholarships at ISU
From Illinois State
From scholarships to grants, there are many funding options to make your dream of an Illinois State education a reality. Fill out our short scholarship eligibility form to see what you would qualify for as an incoming freshman or transfer student.
$34,356
$25,257
$19,966
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$34,356Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$45,223Since Illinois State is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Illinois State is $34,356 for in-state students in IL, and $45,223 for out-of-state students. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Illinois State would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Illinois State University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Illinois State University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Illinois State University is 001692.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
What percent of students at Illinois State receive merit-based financial aid?
75% of students at Illinois State receive merit-based financial aid. Students with test scores and/or GPAs near the top of the admitted range are more likely to qualify for this type of aid.
Using State Grants at Illinois State
Illinois residents considering Illinois State should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Illinois scholarshipsPell Grants at Illinois State University
32% of students at Illinois State University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Illinois State. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
How do outside scholarships affect your financial aid package at Illinois State?
Most of Illinois State’s scholarships are stackable up to the cost of attendance. There are certain instances where students’ institutional assistance will be reduced, often for those students who qualify for an ISU scholarship and the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver, for example.
Illinois State University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Illinois State, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 309-438-2231
What is the financial aid policy for transfer students at Illinois State?
Transfer students are eligible for merit-based and need-based assistance.
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Illinois State
Our commitment to individual attention reaches beyond the classroom into the admissions process. To determine your academic preparedness and fit, all elements of your application will be reviewed carefully by a University professional.
Highest admission priority will be granted to students with the strongest academic records.
80%
24
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver at Illinois State?
Illinois State offers fee waivers for
- Veterans or active military service personnel
- Former Illinois State students returning to the same degree level
- Permanent employees and retirees of Illinois State University
- Students facing economic hardship
For more information about who qualifies for economic hardship fee waivers visit Illinois State’s website.
Is Illinois State test-optional?
Illinois State University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Early Action
Rolling deadline at Illinois State
Illinois State University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid. Be sure to check Illinois State's website to become familiar with their admissions dates.
What is the transfer acceptance rate at Illinois State?
The transfer acceptance rate at Illinois State is 68%.
What is the transfer application deadline at Illinois State?
Priority deadline for fall applicants is January 15.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
19:1
Graduation Rate
67%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
20%
20% of graduates
Education
17%
17% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
10%
10% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
6%
6% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Social Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
3%
3% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
3%
3% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
3%
3% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
History
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
2%
2% of graduates
Engineering
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
18,019
Pell Grant 30%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 6%
Undergrad Students Over 25 4%
Percent Male / Female 44% / 56%
Ethnic Diversity at Illinois State
69% White
13% Hispanic
11% Black
4% Multiracial
3% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% International / Non-Citizen
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Illinois State
Illinois State’s total cost is in the lower half of all Illinois public universities, and graduates earn $8,000 more than the national average just a few years out of school. Illinois State prides itself on providing an exceptional return on investment to its students.
Graduate Income
$62,117
Median Debt $20,482
Debt 10 years after graduation $217
Graduation Rate 67%
What is the graduation rate at Illinois State University?
67% of students who start at Illinois State University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 9% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Illinois State University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Illinois State University is $62,117. This is $11,726 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Illinois State University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Illinois State take out in loans?
Graduates of Illinois State take out a median of $20,482 in federal student loans. This is $6,982 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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Illinois State University