Illinois State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Illinois State University is an international American institution that draws academics and students from around the globe.  Currently, 20,784 students are enrolled at the university. International students coming from 69 countries, including Germany, India, Brazil, and China, represent a significant portion of the student body. Mathematics, Information Systems, Business Administration, Technology, and Applied Economics are some of the most popular courses among international students. The university gives out ISU Access Grants worth close to $13 million a year to students from the lowest-income families.

The Latest About Illinois State University

Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is a public university. In fall 2022, there were 18,055 undergraduate students enrolled overall. The campus spans 1,180 acres and is located in an urban area. Illinois State University is ranked #209th among national universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. $15,171 is the in-state tuition and fees, while $27,011 is the out-of-state tuition and fees.

Highlights of Illinois State University

History of Illinois State University

Originally established as a "normal" university in 1857, Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) was created to train teachers to serve in Illinois schools. After that, the organisation changed into a teachers' college before becoming the liberal arts university that it is today. Forty-three students from around the state were registered by the university when lessons started on October 5.

In the 20th century, Illinois State remained at the forefront of the movement for increased access to higher education. Under the direction of President Raymond Fairchild (1933–1955), Illinois State University (ISNU) became the first college in Illinois to provide graduate-level study for teachers in 1944, despite strong resistance from the University of Illinois and minimal support from the other teaching institutions.

After that year, ISNU also started offering special education degrees, making it the first university in the state to do so. The university is well-known around the country for its achievements in this field. Illinois State is one of the country's major providers of educator preparation, with over 40,000 active alumni and 24,000 graduates teaching in classrooms around the country at the College of Education.

Illinois State University Courses

International students can choose from many courses. More than 165 undergraduate majors, 90 master's degree programs, 10 PhD programs, Pathway programs, and academic English preparation are available for you to select from. Mathematics, Information Systems, Business Administration, Technology, and Applied Economics are some of the most well-liked Illinois State University  courses among international students. Here are some of Illinois State University’s top-ranked courses.

Popular Courses

• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Education
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Social Sciences
• Journalism
• Business
• Management
• Finance

Illinois State University Placements

It is advised that you schedule a meeting with a career advisor to discuss employment and internship opportunities. Additionally, you may interact with businesses and seek job openings. Together, you can make sure that people take notice of your CV. They will instruct you on how to express your goals and highlight your talents. They can teach you to be confident and aware of what to expect during your interviews.

Illinois State University Campus Life

The residence halls and university flats are more than just somewhere to eat and sleep, as new residents quickly discover. Living on campus offers fantastic chances to socialise with professors and other students, participate in campus events, and develop leadership abilities. Living on campus improves academic experiences and fosters lifelong connections by producing special moments.

Illinois State University Alumni

The Illinois State University Alumni Association is a volunteer organisation that serves over 235,000 living alumni. Jane Lynch, Richard Roeper, Suzy Bogguss, Doug Collins, and Sean Hayes are some of the distinguished alumni at Illinois State University. 

Illinois State University Faculty

The purpose of the Distinguished Professor title is to allow the university to recognise outstanding faculty members and to show the outside world that the university is built on quality. Cheri J. Simonds, Communication; Justin Vickers, Music;  Jeffrey Kahn, Psychology; Anu Gokhale, Technology; and Krzysztof Ostaszewski, Mathematics, are the current notable alumni at Illinois State University.