Illinois State University Admissions: Eligibility & Acceptance Rate

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Updated on - Feb 22nd, 2022 | 05:38 PM By Sathish

Illinois State University admissions are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters following a semester-based academic calendar. Around 165 undergraduate programs, 95 graduate programs and 10 doctoral degree programs are offered in various fields of study. The academic programs are offered through the six academic colleges under Illinois State University namely College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, and Mennonite College of Nursing.

Illinois State University Admission Requirements

International students applying for Illinois State University admissions must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission. Both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants should submit a statement of purpose as an additional requirement. Relevant English proficiency scores should be submitted by international applicants along with the academic records from all schools attended.

Undergraduate Admission at Illinois State University

ISU offers over 165 undergraduate programs in study areas such as business administration, finance, information systems, and more. Interested candidates should apply for admission online and bear an application fee of $50. A well-written statement of purpose should also be included along with the application explaining the reasons for selecting ISU, and the applicants’ interests and future goals.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Academic transcripts in English
  • Proof of financial support
  • ACT/ SAT scores
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5
  • Minimum TOEFL ibt (internet-based test) score of 79
  • The results of the standardized test should be older than 2 years while filling the application
  • Statement of purpose (approx 500 words)

Postgraduate Admission at Illinois State University

ISU offers 95 graduate programs and 10 doctoral programs in various disciplines such as business administration, computer science, fine arts, etc. Interested applicants can submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee of $50. 

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Academic transcripts 
  • English proficiency test scores
  • GRE/ GMAT scores if required for admission
  • Proof of financial support
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Personal essay
  • CV/ resume
  • Letters of recommendation

Illinois State University Application Process for International Students

Illinois State University applications can be submitted through the online application portal and an application fee of $50 is applicable for both undergraduate and graduate applications. Admissions are accepted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer intake terms for different academic programs. All applicants must submit their applications along with the supporting documents before the deadlines to be considered for admission to Illinois State University.

Required Documents

  • Official academic records from all previously attended schools/ colleges 
  • Academic transcripts in English
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • SAT/ ACT scores
  • GRE/ GMAT scores
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living costs in the USA
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Work experience (if applicable)

How to Apply?

  • Interested applicants can submit their respective undergraduate and graduate applications on the INTO Illinois State Application along with an application fee of $50
  • Students are required to submit all supporting documents along with the completed application
  • International students should additionally submit English language proficiency test scores along with the other required documents
  • The applications should be submitted before the respective application deadline to be considered for admission to the chosen program

Illinois State University Application Deadlines

Illinois State University applications are accepted for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The application deadlines vary for different undergraduate and graduate programs. Tabulated below are the admission deadlines for different intake terms at Illinois State University:

Intake Session

Application Deadline

Fall Semester

  • UG Application Deadline: 01 April 2022
  • PG Application Deadline: 01 May 2022

Spring Semester

  • UG Application Deadline: 01 January 2022
  • PG Application Deadline: 15 October 2022

Summer Semester

  • UG Application Deadline: 01 April 2022
  • PG Application Deadline: 01 April 2022

Admission Procedure of Illinois State University

Illinois State University admission decisions are made approximately three weeks after the submission of the completed application and required documents. The applicants are informed about the decision through their ISU email account. Given below are the steps to be followed by admitted students at Illinois State University:

  • Activate the Admitted Student Account
  • Submit the Enrollment Deposit
  • Apply for Financial Aid
  • Submit Housing and Meal Plan Contract
  • Connect with the Illinois State community
  • Attend Preview
  • Take Math Placement Assessment
  • Send in Immunization Records and Learn About Health Insurance
  • Finalize the Admission File

Acceptance Rate at Illinois State University

Illinois State University admissions are selective with an acceptance rate of around 81%. It has a total student enrollment of 20,878 students that includes an out-of-state and international student population of 1,000+ students coming from 47 states and 74 countries.