Illinois State University
Illinois State University is a public research institution located in Normal, Illinois. Founded in 1857 as Illinois's first public university, ISU offers robust academic programs across business, nursing, and education. It is nationally recognized for teacher preparation, cybersecurity, and risk management.
Acceptance rate
88%
Undergrad enrollment
19,057
Test policy
Test optional
Application fee
$65
Application deadlines
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| ScholarshipPriority Filing & Scholarship Consideration Deadline | November 1, 2026 |
| ScholarshipJesse W. Fell Scholarship Application Deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Financial AidFAFSA Preferential Filing Date | March 1, 2027 |
| ScholarshipDepartmental & General Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline | March 1, 2027 |
| Rolling AdmissionFinal required document deadline for fall decision review | July 15, 2027 |
Supplemental essay prompts
If you would like to submit a personal statement, your submission should be approximately 500 words in length and address the contributions you are prepared to make to our community, both academically and otherwise. Specifically, your statement should: Identify any circumstances that affected your high school academic performance, if applicable. Make clear your commitment to academic success in college, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and your plans to utilize available resources. Articulate your readiness to engage productively in our campus community outside the classroom.