University Metrics of Excellence

Illinois State made U.S. News & World Report's 2019 rankings of America's best public national universities, at No. 91, based on academic quality and excellence.

Illinois State students complete their degrees on time. ISU's retention rate remains among the highest in the nation at over 78.6 percent, and our high graduation rate (69.1 percent) is well above the national average.

Illinois State remains a first-choice institution. We have a strong enrollment of more than 20,000 students, while maintaining academic quality and small class sizes.

Illinois State provides accessible opportunity and increasingly reflects the nation's changing demographics. One-quarter of our student population comes from underrepresented groups.

Illinois State remains an affordable option. In 2018 we disbursed $46 million in merit- and need-based institutional aid.

Illinois State was ranked by College Factual as the 73rd Best College for the Money out of 1,511 schools across the country. In addition, Washington Monthly named the University among the Best Bang for the Buck Colleges in the Midwest.

Illinois State raised a university record of more than $37.3 million in private gifts last fiscal year. Due to this support, the University surpassed the $150 million goal for Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State a year ahead of schedule.

Illinois State alumni go on to successful careers, shown in the very low student loan default rate of our graduates (3.5 percent) compared with the national average (11.3 percent).

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 and Military Advanced Education & Transition.

Bloomington-Normal ranks as one of the top 40 college towns in America based on its quality of life and among the top 10 for arts and entertainment opportunities. The University's hometown has also ranked as a top 5 destination among smaller communities in the U.S. for recent college grads.

Illinois State was named a Great College to Work For for the fourth-consecutive year by The Chronicle of Higher Education—the only four-year, public university in Illinois on the list. In addition, the University has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers.