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Illinois State University

Apply for first-year
Illinois State University campus
Hi, we’re Illinois State University. Our approximately 20,000 students love their time in our top 10 college town and find success after graduation—Redbirds go on to make $15,000 more than the national average just a few years after graduation. With more than 150 academic majors to choose from and more than 400 registered student organizations, you can pursue the things you love both in and out of the classroom. Students fall in love with our beautiful Quad—designated a Tree Campus USA—and find success thanks to our focus on individual attention and personal connections with faculty and staff.
Accepts first-year applicationsMidwestPublicSuburbanLarge (15,000+)Co-Ed
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Academic programs

  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Public health

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

First-year

Illinois State’s freshman application for admission opens on August 1, with a priority deadline of November 1 for best consideration for scholarships and admission to your major of choice. 
What we consider: 
  • GPA
  • Optional SAT or ACT score
  • Optional personal statement
The GPA of the middle 50% of admitted freshmen for fall of 2025 was 3.28-4.02 (on a four-point scale). That average does not represent a requirement for admission.

Transfer

Started at a community college or other four-year university? No problem. Illinois State is a top transfer destination. 

Our transfer application for admission opens on August 1, with a priority deadline of January 15 for best consideration for scholarships and admission to your major of choice. 

What we consider: 

  • GPA
  • Optional personal statement
  • Required courses for your selected major
The GPA of the middle 50% of admitted transfers for fall of 2025 was 2.92-3.70 (on a four-point scale). That average does not represent a requirement for admission.

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Additional information

Freshmen who apply for admission by November 1 with a 3.25+ GPA are guaranteed a scholarship.

Visit us

Our students fall in love with Illinois State from the first time they step on campus—there’s no better way to find out if we’re the right fit for you. 

See our beautiful campus and top college town for yourself by choosing the visit that fits your needs best, whether you prefer the smaller group of a daily visit or the buzz of a large event. Learn more about coming to see us at IllinoisState.edu/Visit. 

“I was able to work with amazing professors who took care in how I was doing and the things I was learning. I made great connections with them and remain in contact with many of them today.”