Illinois State University (ISU) Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines, & Acceptance Rate

Illinois State University Top Programs

Illinois State University (ISU) offers high-quality programs with strong job outcomes and industry ties. Many of its departments work directly with top companies, helping students gain real-world experience.

ISU’s Department of Technology connects students with major employers like Dell, BMW (Munich), State Farm, and COUNTRY Financial, leading to strong internship and job offers.

The Medical Laboratory Science program has a 99% placement rate in labs and graduate schools.

ISU’s College of Business ranks in the top 2% of business schools worldwide with AACSB dual accreditation in business and accounting. It is also one of only 24 U.S. schools in the CUIBE network for international business education.

The Insurance and Risk Management program is ranked among the top 4 in the U.S., making it a top choice for insurance and finance recruiters.

Average early-career salaries reflect the value of these programs:

Engineering: $69,188/year

Computer Science: $67,539/year

Business: $57,657/year

Illinois State University Admission Requirements for Graduates

Illinois State University Admission Requirements for Undergraduates

AMALI Requirement- The AMALI (formerly Global Studies) requirement at ISU is a graduation requirement that mandates students complete at least one course focusing on the cultures and traditions of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, or Indigenous Peoples of the World.

The Illinois State University application fee ranges from $55 to $83, depending on the program. For undergraduate programs, the fee is $55. Some graduate programs, such as the M.A. in Technology – Project Management, have a fee of $63, while the MBA program carries the highest fee at $83.

Illinois State University Acceptance Rate

Illinois State University maintains a moderately competitive admissions process, with an overall acceptance rate of 86%. Illinois State University is home to 613 international students from diverse global backgrounds.

Graduate program selectivity varies by department. Some highly ranked programs-such as those in Insurance & Risk Management or Technology, have more competitive entry requirements.

Graduate program selectivity varies significantly by department. Competitive programs-particularly those in Insurance & Risk Management, Information Technology, and Mathematics & Statistics, may require:

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• GRE >=300, if GPA<3.0
• Strong letters of recommendation and relevant work or research experience

At the undergraduate level, most international admits present a GPA in the range of 3.3 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, the university does not enforce a strict minimum, and candidates with slightly lower GPAs may be admitted based on other factors such as strong English proficiency scores, extracurricular achievements, or a compelling personal statement.

Illinois State University Admission Deadline

Illinois State University offers 3 major intakes for international students- Fall, Spring, and Summer- with deadlines that vary across programs.

Illinois State University Graduate Application Deadlines:

The deadlines for Summer, Fall, and Spring depend on the different Graduate Programs.

Illinois State University Undergraduate Application Deadlines:

Illinois State University Admission Decision

Illinois State University primarily utilizes a rolling admissions policy for most undergraduate and graduate programs. Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and decisions are typically made within a few weeks.

General Decision Timeline:

Note: Rolling admissions means applications are processed as they arrive, and early applicants generally receive faster decisions.

• Specific notes for graduate programs:

  Decisions may take longer if faculty review or interviews are required. Certain departments (e.g., Social Work, EdD, etc.) may have set notification dates tied to fixed deadlines.

• Transfer applicants:

  Some transfer students may receive on-the-spot admission decisions during appointments if all materials are ready.

All admitted students are notified via the ISU Admissions Portal and official email.

Illinois State University stands out as a student-centered public research institution that balances academic quality with affordability. With a diverse community of over 600 international students, strong industry-aligned graduate programs, and a wide range of scholarships and assistantships, ISU offers a well-rounded educational experience. Its 86% acceptance rate makes it an accessible yet competitive choice for global applicants. Whether you're aiming for career-ready programs in Business, Technology, or Health Sciences, or seeking research opportunities and professional training, Illinois State provides the resources, support, and network to launch a successful academic and professional journey in the U.S.