Illinois State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Illinois State’s 88% acceptance rate means a solid high school record puts many students in range, especially near its 3.62 average GPA. Because it is test-optional, submit scores only if they strengthen your case. A SAT near 1210, or ACT near 27, makes testing a clear plus.
⬡ LangSmitha3b54bbe-f915-42d1-b9a0-7bf123a3a833Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Illinois State University facts and stats
Illinois State University enrolls 19,107 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Illinois State has an 81% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 65% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19.7:1.
⬡ LangSmith4ad9ce17-04fb-43cc-b0b6-982bf42b9c00Normal, IL
How do your scores compare at Illinois State?
Key Illinois State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
April 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
November 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Illinois State, plan for your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve your score or superscore options, with the December SAT or ACT typically still arriving in time for the April 1 Regular Decision deadline.
⬡ LangSmith8bbc4ff1-0b9d-4357-829e-4e29aa0f627aWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Illinois State University?
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What you'll actually pay
Illinois State, a public Missouri Valley Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $12,066 and out-of-state tuition at $24,132. About 44% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is November 15.
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At Illinois State, out-of-state tuition is $24,132, while in-state tuition is $12,066; room and board adds $11,410. About 44% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $17,600. Merit awards average $4,917, which can help lower the net price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,698.
⬡ LangSmith50ba29d2-3593-4302-9517-9b7359d6d676Student life at Illinois State University
35% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 4% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 77.3%
SAT: 1140–1330
ACT: 25–31
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, ILAcceptance rate: 86.9%
SAT: 910–1180
ACT: 18–25
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, ILAcceptance rate: 97.5%
SAT: 930–1160
ACT: 20–27
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILAcceptance rate: 42.4%
SAT: 1390–1520
ACT: 30–34
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