Illinois Central College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Illinois Central may look straightforward because it is public and relatively affordable, but a 45.2% acceptance rate means you should treat admission as something to prepare for. It is test-optional, so submit an SAT or ACT score when it is a genuine strength and use your prep to create one more clear point in your favor.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Illinois Central College facts and stats
Illinois Central College enrolls about 7,906 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Illinois Central has a freshman retention rate of 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
East Peoria, IL

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Key Illinois Central College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 22
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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 scores to test-optional Illinois Central, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for a retake to improve your superscore if applicable, since the August 22 Regular Decision deadline means fall senior retakes will likely be too late for this application.
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What you'll actually pay
At Illinois Central, in-state tuition is $10,230 and out-of-state tuition is $12,150. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

Illinois Central’s out-of-state tuition is $12,150, compared with $10,230 for in-state tuition. Room and board adds about $15,300, so living arrangements can substantially affect the total bill. Actual out-of-pocket costs will depend on course load, housing choice, fees, and eligibility for grants, scholarships, or other aid.
Student life at Illinois Central College
3% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
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