Illinois State University

Illinois State University is a public university located in Normal, Illinois. It was founded in 1857 as a teacher's college where it remains as the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State emphasizes teaching and is recognized as one of the top ten largest producers of teachers in the United States according to the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Diversity is a core value at Illinois State fostered by an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding, ethical behavior, and social justice. Illinois State University’s core values—Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity embody the University’s culture of innovative and introspective growth, and it is through individuals in the Illinois State family that these values come to life through action.

Illinois State works as a diverse community of scholars, educators, and staff to support the school's commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities. The school promotes the highest academic standards through its teaching, scholarship, public service, and the connections built between students. 

Why Illinois State University

• Student Success: Illinois State students are well supported to complete their degrees on time, and the university student retention rate remains among the highest in the nation at over 80 percent, and the graduation rate (68.8 percent) is 23 percent above the national average.
• Campus Involvement: There are over 400 ways to get involved on campus, meaning that there is something out there to appeal to all student. From volunteering, non-profit work, athletics, or intramurals, students will find countless ways that they can get involved with life outside of the classroom.
• Location: Illinois State University's campus is located in Normal, a short drive from Chicago and St. Louis. 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. Uptown Normal's Amtrak station and Bloomington's airport situate the university within a few hours of most major American cities.