Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
  1. Home
  2. About
  3. Metrics of Excellence

University Metrics of Excellence

  • Search Programs
  • Make a Gift

Top Public University

Illinois State made U.S. News & World Report's 2022 rankings of America's best public national universities, at No. 104, based on academic quality and excellence. In addition, Washington Monthly ranked the University No. 62 out of all national universities for the institution's contribution to the public good through social mobility, research, and public services.

High Retention and Graduation Rates

Illinois State students complete their degrees on time. ISU's retention rate remains among the highest in the nation at over 83.2 percent, and our high graduation rate (67.3 percent) is well above the national average.

First-Choice Institution

Illinois State has welcomed another large and high-achieving freshman class. We enroll more than 20,200 students, while maintaining academic quality and small class sizes.

Diverse Campus

Illinois State provides accessible opportunity and increasingly reflects the nation's changing demographics. Twenty-eight percent of our student population and 35 percent of this year's freshman class come from underrepresented groups.

Bang for the Buck

Illinois State is ranked among the top 10 percent of College Factual's Best Colleges for the Money. In addition, Washington Monthly named the University among the Best Bang for the Buck Colleges in the Midwest. The University was also ranked among the top 30 percent of four-year higher education institutions for graduates’ return on investment.

Record Fundraising

Illinois State University raised more than $25.1 million in private support last fiscal year, marking the third highest private support total in university history. Through these donations, 3,028 scholarships were awarded and 75 new scholarships were created.

High Student Loan Repayment Rate

Illinois State alumni go on to successful careers, shown in the very low student loan default rate of our graduates (3.6 percent) compared with the national average (7.3 percent).

Military Friendly School

Illinois State supports veterans and those in the military. We have been designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, and we are ranked among the country's best universities for veterans by College Factual.

Top College Town

Bloomington-Normal ranks as one of the top 5 college towns in America based on its quality of life and among the nation's best small cities for affordability, arts and entertainment opportunities, and safety. The University's hometown was also ranked as one of the Best College Towns in America.

Civically Engaged Campus

Illinois State has been recognized with the Elective Classification for Community Engagement, as a Excellence and Innovation Award for Civic Learning and Community Engagement, and as a Voter Friendly Campus. These honors demonstrate our campuswide commitment to civic engagement, a core value of the University.

Redbird Pride

  • College of Applied Science and Technology
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
  • Division of Student Affairs
  • Mennonite College of Nursing
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Athletics

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • ReggieNet
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2022 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
2022-03-03T10:54:55.387-08:00 2022
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu
OU Login