History
Illinois State University is Illinois' first public university, founded in 1857. The University enrolls students from throughout Illinois, 40 other states, the District of Columbia, and 61 other countries. Students are mentored by a faculty that includes numerous teacher-scholars recognized at national and international levels, and all are dedicated to superior teaching.
Education
Illinois State University, a first-choice public university, will be increasingly recognized as a national leader for educating high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized and transformative experience at an institution that:
- Offers premier undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate traditional knowledge and methods with emerging ideas and innovations
- Generates knowledge through high-quality research, scholarship, and creative activities
- Supports student learning and development inside and outside of the classroom
- Serves the region, state, nation, and world through its commitments.
Research
Organized Centers and Offices
- Applied Social Research Unit: Data collection/analysis to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Center for Adoption Studies: Research and training that informs adoption policy and practice.
- Center for Mathematics, Science & Technology: Integrated teaching/learning of mathematics, science, and technology.
- Center for Reading and Literacy: Service and research that develops various reading literacies.
- Center for the Study of Educational Policy: Research promoting systemic and sustainable education reform strategies.
Career
The Career Center helps students to develop effective job search skills and strategies, and seeks to connect students with employers seeking candidates for full-time positions, internships, professional practice experiences and part-time jobs.
Short Courses
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
1401 -200
2023
1201
2022
-
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
1535 -112
2022
1423
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
The Student Services Building is home to many student services, including the Dean of Students Office, the Career Center, Student Counseling Services, Student Affairs Information Technology, and Student Health Services. Some registered student organizations have offices here, including the Student Government Association.
Housing services
The University’s undergraduate housing is clustered in four neighborhoods located across Illinois State’s 850-acre campus. The four areas include Hewett and Manchester Halls, Tri-Towers, Watterson Towers, and Cardinal Court. Each area provides its own unique feel. No matter which area of campus you live in, you can expect a sense of community, individual attention, support services to help you succeed, and a connection to Illinois State University that is second to none!
Cardinal Court houses 894 undergraduate students (primarily sophomores) in 227 furnished apartments. It provides a unique opportunity to experience apartment-style living with the benefits of living in university housing.
Library services
The library at Illinois State Normal University opened in 1890, thirty-three years after the opening of the university. Until that time, departments held their own collections.
Milner’s collections include:
- 1,622,355 print volumes
- 81,448 electronic serial titles
- 1,927 print journal titles
ICT services
Computer workstations:
- 84 public workstations
- 63 classroom workstations
- 110 computer lab workstations
- 30 laptops
Medical services
The Student Health Services offers a student-oriented clinic providing examinations, treatment, urgent care, and minor surgical procedures. As an Illinois State University student you have access to quality, convenient, primary health care.
All students may use the Student Health Services. The Student Insurance plan is not needed to access care at Student Health Services.
Campus life
Our campus is in Normal, just a short drive from Chicago and St. Louis. Uptown Normal’s Amtrak station and Bloomington’s airport put us within a few hours of most major U.S. cities.
Sports facilities
The Fitness program offers a variety of regularly scheduled classes in cardiovascular, strength and mind/body training formats for all current members of the SFC.The Sport Club program within Campus Recreation is an exciting way for students to get involved in competitive recreational sports while attending Illinois State University. Each Sport Club is run primarily by students, with assistance by the Department of Campus Recreation.
Student clubs
Are you interested in joining a club? Student Activities and Involvement helps students find their way by providing multitude of opportunities to get involved on campus, and helping registered student organizations to be successful.
With over 400 registered student organizations (RSOs) from which to choose, students have the opportunity to explore interests, develop academics and hone leadership skills.
Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.