A collage of photos of tailgating, a parade, the marching band, cheerleaders, and students and alumni celebrating Homecoming.

Illinois State University

Redbirds Reign

One of our longest and most treasured traditions, Homecoming lets you reconnect with campus and friends.

View Homecoming Activities

The annual Homecoming parade steps off at 10 a.m. (CDT) on October 14 from the corner of University Street and College Avenue. Watch online

Why We're Here

Everything we do is rooted in learning. It’s our oldest tradition and even our motto. That’s why 85 percent of classes in over 200+ degree options are taught by professors.

View by program type or interest area

Apply Now

Start creating your legacy at Illinois State.

Our Rankings

See our Metrics of Excellence and other Points of Pride.

Financial Aid and Costs

Search scholarships and use our Net Price Calculator.

International Students

Learn how to apply.

Make a Difference

redbirdimpact

Redbirds make an impact, it’s what they do.

This year, as a part of #RedbirdImpact Month, help us reach our goal of 450 service hours.

Create Your Impact >

News

Fall shot of the Quad with DeGarmo Hall in the background
Board of Trustees action items, October 13
Ricky King
Bilingual Teacher of the Year Ricky King ’20 is a role model for his students
a professor and a student at table in a lab
Technology project aims to alleviate cybersickness in VR-based driving simulation

More News

Visit Us

Two students standing in front of the Admssions sign.

On-Campus Experiences

With safety measures in place, you are invited to come see campus first hand. It's the best way to experience Illinois State.

Open House

Statue of a Reggie Redbird head.

Daily Campus Visit

Student sitting on a concrete bench on the quad.

Transfer Campus Visit

Student using a laptop computer sitting on a red blanket.

Virtual Grad School Session

Lower courtyard with trees and upper building at the Bone Student Center.

Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointments

Our Campus

A group of students playing instruments and singing on the quad.

Something for Everyone

You don't have to look far for a student organization perfect for you.

Find Your Niche

Students pose in front of the mural in Uptown Normal.

Welcome Home

Campus is only a small part of a vibrant community.

Explore Bloomington-Normal

Some trees on the quad during fall.

Tree Campus Higher Education

Our beautiful quad serves as the soul of campus.

Learn about the Quad

Reggie the Redbird stands on a chariot among cheerleaders during the Homecoming Parade.

A Rich History

For over 150 years, numerous traditions have shaped our past and continue to shape our future.

View our Traditions

Student Life

Student in a ceramics classroom talking to faculty.

Celebrating Everyone

Redbirds come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. With strong networks and resources multicultural and LGBTQ+ students can flourish academically and socially. Find your campus community.

Students sitting on couches with computers, talking.

Discover Opportunities

Lifelong friends and lasting memories await with one of our many student organizations. Start your Redbird Life.

Several students wearing a harness and working on a roof.

Be the Solution

Make community service part of your everyday life. Lead the way in community engagement and service learning.

Become a Redbird