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Illinois State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Illinois State University accepts 88% of applicants. It is a public university in Normal, Illinois, with about 19,057 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,534 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $17,829.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Illinois State University?
Most Illinois residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.1 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Illinois State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1100, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Illinois resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 55% Target | 26% Reach |
| 2.7 | 55% Target | 27% Reach |
| 3.0 | 75% Target | 48% Target |
| 3.3 | 89% Likely | 70% Target |
| 3.5 | 94% Likely | 81% Likely |
| 3.7 | 96% Likely | 89% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 93% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 93% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Illinois State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,534 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $12,000 | $22,300 |
| $50k – $100k | $12,500 | $22,700 |
| $100k – $150k | $21,500 | $31,800 |
| $150k – $250k | $28,500 | $39,600 |
| Over $250k | $28,500 | $40,600 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Illinois State University
What is the acceptance rate at Illinois State University?
Illinois State University admits 88% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Illinois State University?
Most Illinois residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.1 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Illinois State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 990–1210 on the SAT and 21–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Illinois State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $28,534 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $17,829 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $12,000 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Illinois State University?
67% of students finish their degree, and 81% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Illinois State University
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale, IL · admits 87%
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL · admits 77%
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago, IL · admits 82%
- University of New HampshireDurham, NH · admits 88%
- University of OregonEugene, OR · admits 88%
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair, NJ · admits 88%