Public

Large

Missouri Valley Conference

Illinois State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1010 to 1210

ACT Range21 to 27

Average GPA3.62

Acceptance Rate88.1%

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.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Illinois State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Normal, IL

Undergrad Enrollment19,107

Freshman Retention81%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio19.7:1

Graduation Rate65%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Illinois State?

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Key Illinois State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

April 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

November 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

November 15

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$12,066

Out-of-State Tuition$24,132

Room and Board$11,410

Average Merit Award$4,917

Application Fee$55

Students on Aid44%

Average Aid Package$17,600

Average Debt at Grad$26,698

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.