Can you get into Illinois State University?
Normal, IL · Public · 19,057 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.
Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.
The admitted class · 2024
What it took to get in
Acceptance rate
88.1%
SAT middle 50%
990–1210
median 1100
ACT middle 50%
21–27
median 24
Graduation rate
65%
within six years
Reported by the college
What Illinois State University actually reads
Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.
Very important
The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.
- Grades
- Course rigor
Considered
Looked at, but not decisive on its own.
- Test scores
- Essay
Not considered
Reported as playing no part in the decision.
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Legacy
- Work experience
From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Illinois State University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it does not ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set we use that instead.
Deadlines · 2026 cycle
When to apply
- Early ActionNovember 1, 2026
Illinois State University fills part of its class in the early round, where admit rates typically run higher. Early Decision is binding, so it only fits a clear first choice.
Real cost · 2024 data
What families actually pay
The sticker price is $34,309, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Illinois State University by family income, after grants and scholarships:
- Under $30k$11,568
- $30k–$48k$12,301
- $48k–$75k$16,348
- $75k–$110k$23,865
- Over $110k$28,224
U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.
Keep going
More on Illinois State University
Harder to get into
Common questions
Illinois State University admissions, answered
What is Illinois State University's acceptance rate?
Illinois State University admits 88.1% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).
What SAT score do you need for Illinois State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1210. A score above 1210 clears the 75th percentile; below 990, the rest of the application has to carry more weight.
What does Illinois State University look for in an application?
Illinois State University reports that it weighs grades, course rigor most heavily. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.
How much does Illinois State University actually cost?
Sticker price is $34,309, but the average family pays $19,398 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $11,568 per year on average.
What Spike does with this
Use the Illinois State University read in your plan.
Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.