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Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois · Public

86%acceptance rate
1000–1210SAT middle 50%
21–27ACT middle 50%
$20,871average net price, in-state

Illinois State University admitted 86% of 23,826 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1000–1210 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 66% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Illinois State University

Enter a score to see whether Illinois State University is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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Likely

Based on the admit rate (86%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

Application deadlines

Illinois State University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:

Early action
November 1, 2026
Regular decision
Rolling admission

The application fee is $65, and Illinois State University accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.

Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Illinois State University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.

Early decision and early action

Illinois State University doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.

What admissions weighs

How Illinois State University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • GPA

Important

  • –

Considered

  • Test scores
  • Essay

Not considered

  • Course rigor
  • Class rank
  • Recommendations
  • Interview
  • Activities
  • Talent or ability
  • Character
  • First generation
  • Legacy
  • Where you live
  • State residency
  • Religion
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience
  • Showing interest

High school GPA

First-year students averaged a 3.63 GPA.

  • 4.025%
  • 3.75–3.9917%
  • 3.50–3.7417%
  • 3.25–3.4916%
  • 3.00–3.2416%
  • 2.50–2.9910%
  • 2.00–2.490.1%
  • Under 2.00%

Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $34,309 in-state and $46,374 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $20,871 on average (in-state).

Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:

  • $0–30k$11,075
  • $30–48k$11,994
  • $48–75k$16,424
  • $75–110k$23,818
  • $110k+$26,853

Quick answers

What is Illinois State University’s acceptance rate?

Illinois State University admitted 86% of applicants: 20,382 of 23,826 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).

When is Illinois State University’s early action deadline?

For 2026–27, early action is due November 1, 2026 and regular admission is rolling. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.

What SAT score do you need for Illinois State University?

The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1000 to 1210, with a median around 1110. A score at or above 1110 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.

How much is Illinois State University’s application fee?

The application fee is $65 for 2026–27, and Illinois State University accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.

Does Illinois State University have supplemental essays?

No. Illinois State University doesn’t ask for a supplemental essay or the Common App personal essay for 2026–27.

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