Illinois State University

At Illinois State University, we work as a diverse community of scholars with a commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities.
Illinois State students complete their degrees on time. ISU's retention rate remains among the highest in the nation at over 80 percent, and our high graduation rate (68.8 percent) is 23 percent above the national average.
Illinois State remains a first-choice institution. We have a healthy enrollment of more than 20,000 students while maintaining academic quality and small class sizes. Illinois State remains an affordable option. We did not raise tuition or fees this year and disbursed $45 million in merit- and need-based aid and tuition waivers.
College Factual ranked us as the 22nd Best College for the Money out of 1,200 schools across the country. Diversity is a core value at Illinois State. We foster an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding, ethical behavior, and social justice.
Graduation rates for our African American and Hispanic students far exceed the national average. Our overall graduation rate is in the Top 10% nationwide. Your grades, achievements, and activities during high school typically determine the scholarships for which you are eligible. Often, the organization or individual donor providing the scholarship wishes to reward or encourage specific characteristics or behaviors such as strong academic credentials, leadership, community service activities, or plans to enter a particular profession.
Scholarships come from a variety of sources. Some are available through Illinois State University. Our ScholarshipFinder can also help you find awards within the University. Professional organizations, social clubs, employers, community organizations, and individual donors provide many more. Each scholarship provider determines when and how they will select the recipient, whether or not the award is renewable year after year, when the Money will be awarded, and how it should be used. The more often you are searching and applying for scholarships, the less likely you will miss something you could have qualified.
Most scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Usually, that means applications are accepted in the fall or spring, winners are notified a few weeks to a few months later, and the actual awards are made the next fall. Unfortunately, because of this timing, if you are trying to cover an outstanding bill you have right now, scholarships are unlikely to help.
Student Access and Accommodation Services is proud to have the privilege each year to offer scholarships to students with disabilities and medical/mental health conditions at Illinois State University. The scholarships offered are due to donors' generosity who has a passion for encouraging our students with disabilities and medical/mental health conditions and providing the opportunities to realize their personal and professional goals. The realization of these goals will lead our students to become alumni of Illinois State University. They possess the skills to become successful individuals capable of making contributions to every facet of our society.
We offer many programs and services to support our diverse campus population. From student organizations and events to scholarships and mentors, you will flourish academically and socially. Civic engagement is a core value at Illinois State. We are one of only 50 U.S. colleges named a Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Leadership Institution.
Getting ready to begin your college career starts long before you make your first campus visit. We're here to help you through each step. If you earned college hours while in high school or enrolled at another college during the summer between high school and your attendance at Illinois State in the fall, you will still be classified as a freshman.
Our rising graduation rate, high alumni earning power, and overall affordability make Illinois State one of the Midwest's best values. And your tuition is locked in for four years, giving you peace of mind. Our career center prepares you, so you're ready when 500+ employers visit campus each year. Grow your professional network before you graduate. Internship advisors and job fairs help you pave the way. Grad school in your future? Our undergraduate programs set you up for success. We even have an advisor just for pre-professional students. Compete to earn big bucks in the Startup Showcase, or significant in entrepreneurship. Illinois State ranks among the Top 100 best national public universities based on academic quality and student success, according to U.S. News & World Report.
We're the only University in Illinois with advisors specially trained to work with first-year students. That's one reason why 81% of our freshmen return for the sophomore year. Our Honors Program focuses on enrichment over acceleration. Access unique learning experiences and scholarships, along with research and travel opportunities.
Combine a world language with your principal and unlock study abroad opportunities. Our faculty work with students to discover new knowledge, develop big ideas, and change the world through quality research and exploration. In a complicated part of the world, one Illinois State professor studies how artists pursue provocative works despite political obstacles.