University Metrics of Excellence

Illinois State made U.S. News & World Report's 2020 rankings of America's best public national universities, at No. 98, based on academic quality and excellence. In addition, Washington Monthly ranked the University No. 66 out of all national universities for the institution's contribution to the public good through social mobility, research, and public services.

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 (69.5 percent) is well above the national average.

Illinois State welcomed it's largest freshman class in 33 years and largest-ever incoming class of Honors students. We enroll 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 and 32 percent of this year's freshman class come from underrepresented groups.

Illinois State was ranked by College Factual as the 68th Best College for the Money out of 1,481 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 (3.9 percent) compared with the national average (10.1 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.

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 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.