Illinois State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Illinois State University

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Illinois State University is a public university with an acceptance rate of 82%. Established in 1857, Illinois State University is the oldest public university in the state of Illinois. The campus is located in Normal, a small city less than three hours from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The university has broad academic strengths, and programs in business, education, and nursing are all highly regarded nationally. Students can choose from more than 200 academic majors and minors. Classes are supported by a 19-to-1 student/faculty ratio, and about two-thirds of classes have fewer than 30 students. In athletics, the Illinois State Redbirds compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.

Considering applying to Illinois State University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Illinois State University had an acceptance rate of 82%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 82 students were admitted, making Illinois State's admissions process somewhat less competitive.

Admissions Statistics (2018-19)
Number of Applicants 16,151
Percent Admitted 82%
Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) 29%

SAT Scores and Requirements

Illinois State University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 82% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

SAT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
ERW 510 610
Math 510 610
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

This admissions data tells us that most of Illinois State's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Illinois State scored between 510 and 610, while 25% scored below 510 and 25% scored above 610. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 510 and 610, while 25% scored below 510 and 25% scored above 610. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1220 or higher will be particularly competitive for Illinois State.

Requirements

Illinois State University does not require the SAT writing section for admission. Note that Illinois State does not superscore the SAT; the admissions office will consider your highest composite score from a single sitting.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Illinois State requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 53% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

ACT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
English 20 26
Math 18 26
Composite 20 26

This admissions data tells us that most of Illinois State's admitted students fall within the top 48% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Illinois State received a composite ACT score between 20 and 26, while 25% scored above 26 and 25% scored below 20.

Requirements

Note that Illinois State does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. Illinois State does not require the ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the middle 50% of Illinois State University's incoming class had high school GPAs between 3.1 and 3.8. 25% had a GPA above 3.8, and 25% had a GPA below 3.1. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Illinois State University have primarily A and B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

Illinois State University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph.
Illinois State University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph. Data courtesy of Cappex.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Illinois State University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Illinois State University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. Illinois State also requires that applicants complete a core high school curriculum including 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 2 years of natural science (including labs), 2 years of social science, and 2 years of foreign language or fine arts. Applicants with the strongest academic records have the best chance of admission.

Note that some programs at Illinois State are more selective than others. Students with borderline grades or test scores are encouraged to submit an optional academic personal statement to explain their academic performance.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students, and most of them had a high school average of B- or higher, an ACT composite score of 18 or higher, and a combined SAT score (ERW+M) of at least 950. An applicant's chances for admission increase measurably with grades and test scores above these lower ranges.

If You Like Illinois State University, You May Also Like These Schools

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Illinois State University Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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Grove, Allen. "Illinois State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/illinois-state-university-gpa-sat-act-786510. Grove, Allen. (2020, August 28). Illinois State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/illinois-state-university-gpa-sat-act-786510 Grove, Allen. "Illinois State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/illinois-state-university-gpa-sat-act-786510 (accessed March 28, 2024).