About Illinois State University
Illinois State University is the state’s oldest public, four-year institution of higher education. Located in the city of Normal, Illinois, this school was founded in 1857. Illinois State promotes core values of: the Pursuit of Learning and Scholarship, Individualized Attention, Diversity, Integrity, and Civic Engagement.
At Illinois State online, the motto is “everything we do is rooted in learning.” A Center for Online and Distance Education is available to support this motto for students using online tools. Some online courses are asynchronous, offering the flexibility of working at your own pace and on your own schedule.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Illinois State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
3,050Fully Online Graduate Students:
28%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,482Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
83%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,056Credit for Military Training:
YesIllinois State offers a solid academic pace and a clear path to finish. Your timeline depends on your course load. Classes are not quick, low-credit shortcuts. To stay on track, plan for steady study each week and consistent effort each term.
Graduate programs with heavier loads can move fast. Deadlines and course demands may build quickly. Cost is a real strength here. Illinois State is often seen as a good value next to many state and private schools.
The listed annual tuition is $28,210. That price can make sense for students who want strong academics at a lower cost. It helps when you balance cost, workload, and time to finish.
At Illinois State, practical help is a real strength. Staff are known for quick, clear replies when students plan classes and map out next steps. That steady follow-through matters when deadlines stack up and choices come fast.
Professors are widely seen as professional, kind, and patient. In daily class life, students can expect approachable people and useful guidance. Views on top administration are more mixed, but core academic support stays dependable where it counts most.
Online classes here call for real study time. The pace is not light. You need a steady schedule each week. This is better for learners who want structure and clear expectations.
Support is a plus for online learners. Staff response is described as very responsive. Professors are seen as kind and patient. Workload can rise fast in intensive graduate paths. Plan for a heavier pace in those tracks.
Classes at Illinois State take real work. This is not an easy-credit school. Students need steady study time, and they need to stay on top of reading to do well on tests. The classroom tone is serious, and courses are built on strong academics.
Professors and staff are a clear strength. They are approachable, helpful, and responsive when students need guidance with classes and planning. Workload and pace can vary by program. Some counseling graduate tracks are especially intense, with heavy practicum hours, thesis work, homework, and exams.
Illinois State is a good value school. Price is a real plus. It is called cost effective and a bargain. Faculty and staff are approachable.
Help is usually responsive and useful. Coursework is not easy. You have to study and put in effort. Program pace can vary a lot.
One graduate counseling track is especially intense. That path is described as rigorous and unforgiving. Burnout pressure can build fast there. Overall, the read is mostly positive.
You get strong value and helpful people. Expect serious academics, not a light workload.
Illinois State is a good value school. Price is a real plus. It is called cost effective and a bargain. Faculty and staff are approachable.
Help is usually responsive and useful. Coursework is not easy. You have to study and put in effort. Program pace can vary a lot.
One graduate counseling track is especially intense. That path is described as rigorous and unforgiving. Burnout pressure can build fast there. Overall, the read is mostly positive.
You get strong value and helpful people. Expect serious academics, not a light workload.
Online Programs offered by Illinois State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois State University
Is Illinois State University accredited?
Yes. Illinois State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Illinois State University offer?
Illinois State University offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Illinois State University offer?
Illinois State University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Illinois State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Illinois State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Illinois State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Illinois State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Illinois State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Illinois State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Illinois State University military friendly?
Illinois State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Illinois State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Illinois State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Occupational License, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Illinois State University accept life experience credit?
Illinois State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Illinois State University programs fully online or mixed?
Illinois State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Illinois State University offer?
Illinois State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Nursing, Art & Liberal Arts, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Illinois State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Illinois State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Illinois State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Illinois State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Illinois State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Illinois State University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Illinois State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Illinois State University is featured in 7 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Illinois State University is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM