Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · 4-year · Niche: A+

Illinois State University has a 89.0% acceptance rate. Illinois State University is a public 4-year institution in Normal, IL, with a median SAT of 1100 and a median ACT of 24. The average net price is $19,398 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

89.0%

20,884 applicants

SAT Median

1100

Combined score

ACT Median

24

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$19,398

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Illinois State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Illinois State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)101011001210
ACT (composite, 1–36)222427

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

65.4%

Retention Rate

81.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$62,117

Student Body

19,057

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Illinois State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$11,568
$30,001 – $48,000$12,301
$48,001 – $75,000$16,348
$75,001 – $110,000$23,865
$110,000+$28,224

Top Majors at Illinois State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing973
Education818
Health Professions407
Communication & Journalism258
Computer & Information Sciences247
Visual & Performing Arts218
Social Sciences199
Psychology177
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice156
Parks, Recreation & Fitness148

Financial Aid at Illinois State University

About Illinois State University

Official website: https://illinoisstate.edu/

Admissions: https://www.admissions.illinoisstate.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois State University

What is the acceptance rate at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. it received about 20,884 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1100; the average net price is $19,398 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Illinois State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Illinois State University?

Getting into Illinois State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 89% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1100. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Illinois State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Illinois State University?

Admitted students at Illinois State University typically have a median SAT around 1100 and a median ACT around 24. With a 89% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Illinois State University?

The average net price at Illinois State University is $19,398 per year after grants and scholarships. about 98% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $11,590 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Illinois State University?

Illinois State University has a graduation rate of 65%. its first-year retention rate is 81%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $62,117. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Illinois State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Illinois State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Illinois State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1100. With a 89% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Illinois State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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