Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Normal, Illinois
89% Acceptance Rate
Illinois State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
89%Acceptance Rate
3.41Avg GPA
1127Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$32,458Annual Cost
$62,117Grad Salary
30.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
89%
Avg GPA
3.41
Avg SAT
1127
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1230
ACT Middle 50%
22–27
Avg Net Price
$18,996
Need-Based Aid
30.1% receive Pell
Illinois State University is a large, public research university that emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, and student success. Admissions are competitive, focusing on high school academic achievement and a demonstrated potential for rigorous university-level study. As a comprehensive institution, it seeks well-rounded students who are prepared to contribute to its dynamic, research-intensive campus environment through active participation in academic and extracurricular organizations.
When applying, prospective students should highlight their consistency in academic performance and their potential for growth within specific professional or academic programs. The university values engagement, so showcasing extracurricular leadership, whether in academic, cultural, or athletic organizations is strongly recommended. A successful application demonstrates that the student is proactive, focused, and ready to take full advantage of the broad resources and research opportunities available at Illinois State.
Illinois State University Acceptance Rate
Illinois State University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 89% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.41 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.21 – 3.40
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.96
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Illinois State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Illinois State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 104 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Illinois State University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
November 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Illinois State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Illinois State University is 3.41. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.61-3.81 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.11 and 3.41, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Illinois State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Illinois State University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.41, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.41 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.21 – 3.40
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.01 – 3.20
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.00
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 86?89% (rolling admissions, test-optional); middle 50% admitted GPA is 3.28?4.02; no essay or letters of recommendation required for general freshman admission, though the optional personal statement is strongly advised. Priority deadline: November 1 (scholarships, program-specific priority, Honors pool identification). Final freshman deadline: February 1. Application fee: $40. Both ISU's own application and Common App are accepted.
- Jesse W. Fell Scholarship: up to $12,000/year, renewable for 3 additional years (4 years total); requires minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA and application by November 1; invitation-only, competitive essay and interview process; Fell finalists automatically receive Honors College admission. Fell application deadline typically December 15 after invitation sent. Separate from ISU's automatic Redbird Scholarship (3.25+ GPA, $1,000?$5,000/year automatic). Note: Presidential and University Scholarships discontinued beginning Fall 2024 - do not reference them as current options.
- Border-state tuition (automatic in-state rate): Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin residents qualify by statute, no separate application. In-state tuition approximately $15,824/year vs. out-of-state $27,890/year (2025-26 figures) - approximately $12,000 annual savings. AIM HIGH Scholarship (Illinois residents only): up to $2,000/year, FAFSA priority November 15.
- SHSU naming collision check: Illinois State University (ISU, Normal IL, UNITID 145813) is distinct from Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech, Chicago) and Illinois State University should not be confused with the University of Illinois system (U of I Urbana-Champaign, UIC, UIS). ISU's strongest professional programs are teaching/education (one of the oldest teacher preparation programs in Illinois, founded 1857 as Illinois' first public university) and nursing (CCNE-accredited, Army Center of Excellence designation).
- The Rigor Metric: At Illinois State University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Illinois State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Illinois State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Illinois State University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Illinois State University Without SAT or ACT?
Illinois State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Illinois State University Average SAT Score: 1127
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Illinois State University is 1127 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1127 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1127 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Illinois State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1010, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Illinois State University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 565 | 510 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1127 | 1010 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1010 then you are below most of the admitted students at Illinois State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Illinois State University with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Illinois State University are good but the admission staff at Illinois State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Illinois State University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Illinois State University is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Illinois State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 22 | 27 |
Can I get into Illinois State University with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Illinois State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Illinois State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Illinois State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Illinois State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Illinois State University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Illinois State University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Apply by November 1 - It Is the Hard Gate for the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship, Honors Program Consideration, and Major-Specific Admission Priority
Illinois State uses rolling admissions with a published priority deadline of November 1 for fall applicants. This date is not a soft preference - it is the hard cutoff for three distinct opportunities. First, the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship (ISU's most prestigious freshman award at up to $12,000/year for four years, requiring a minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA) is invitation-only, and invitations go only to students who have applied by November 1. Students who apply on November 2 are categorically excluded from Fell consideration regardless of GPA. Second, Honors Program admission for incoming freshmen is tied to the Fell Scholarship application process - Fell finalists receive automatic Honors offers, and other Honors-track students are identified from the same applicant pool. Third, ISU's admissions page explicitly notes that applying by November 1 gives students best consideration for "admission to your major of choice" - competitive and limited-enrollment programs like Nursing, which offer direct freshman admission, fill cohorts from the earliest applicants. A December application to ISU is a general-admission application with neither scholarship nor program-specific priority intact.
The Optional Personal Statement Is the Only Essay in the Application - Submit It, Because When Test Scores Are Not Submitted, It Becomes Heavier
ISU is test-optional, and no letters of recommendation are required for freshman admission. The sole essay component in the application is an optional personal statement that asks students to describe how they will engage with and contribute to the Illinois State community - both academically and through campus and community involvement - and allows students to address any extenuating circumstances that affected their academic record. Because ISU weights all available factors more heavily when test scores are not submitted, a student who goes test-optional and also skips the optional essay is presenting an application with only transcript and GPA data. The essay is the one place where a student can contextualize grade dips, demonstrate fit with ISU's distinctive culture (the small-city Bloomington-Normal campus community, service ethos, professional school reputation in teaching and nursing), and show specific campus engagement plans. CollegeVine's essay guide for ISU specifically flags that generic statements of campus interest fail here; readers reward students who name specific programs, organizations, or faculty experiences tied to their academic goals.
Border-State Students Automatically Qualify for In-State Tuition - No Scholarship Application Required
Illinois State University automatically grants in-state tuition rates to residents of five bordering states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin. This is a statutory benefit applied at the point of admission - no separate application, scholarship form, or financial aid request is needed. For a student from Indianapolis or Des Moines who qualifies academically, the difference between in-state ($15,824) and out-of-state ($27,890) tuition represents approximately $12,000 in annual savings - more than the automatic Redbird Scholarship for many GPA tiers. Border-state students should identify this benefit on their application and confirm it with the Registrar, as it is applied by official residence documentation rather than automatically detected. The benefit is stackable with financial aid and does not preclude scholarship eligibility, but cannot be combined with the Jesse W. Fell or other full institutional awards in a way that exceeds the cost of attendance.
Nursing Direct-Admit Tracks Fill From the November 1 Priority Pool - Do Not Apply Late to a Health Sciences Major
Illinois State's Department of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and has been designated a Center of Excellence by the Army due to NCLEX pass rates and curriculum quality. The BSN program offers direct freshman admission to students who qualify - meaning admitted students begin nursing coursework without a competitive internal application in their sophomore or junior year. However, "direct admit" does not mean automatic: direct admission is awarded to a limited cohort, and admission reviewers give highest priority to students who applied by November 1 with a strong academic record and completed application. Students who apply in January for a nursing major are competing for whatever cohort capacity remains after November applicants have been placed. Students accepted but not directly admitted to nursing at the time of university admission typically enter as pre-nursing and must apply again - often more competitively - to gain program entry later.
Expert Insight:
The most consequential failure pattern at ISU is the high-GPA student who treats ISU as a safety school, applies in late November or December after finishing other applications, and discovers that the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship invitation has already closed, the Honors Program application pool has been identified, and the nursing direct-admit cohort may be full. ISU does not re-open Fell scholarship consideration for late applicants under any circumstances. The second failure: students with a 3.75+ GPA who apply by November 1 but do not notice the Fell invitation that arrives by email in the weeks after their application - the scholarship requires a separate essay and competitive process, and students who miss the Fell application window (typically with a December 15 deadline) lose the award permanently. The Fell invitation is easy to overlook in a crowded inbox during senior fall.
Illinois State University Profile
Full Name
Illinois State University
City
Normal
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
61790-1000
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Illinois State University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Illinois State University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Illinois State University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Illinois State University is $74,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.2%.
How much does a degree from Illinois State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Illinois State University is $32,458. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Illinois State University is $18,996.
30.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Illinois State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Illinois State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Illinois State University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Illinois State University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $62,117. An average Illinois State University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Illinois State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Illinois State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois State University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62,117 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,458 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
30.1% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Illinois State University is 89% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.41. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.11, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.11, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.01 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.41, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Illinois State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1127 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1010–1230.
The application deadline for Illinois State University is November 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Illinois State University is 65. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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