Illinois State University combines accessible 89% admission with excellent economic mobility outcomes. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university produces $4,985 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels comparable to peer institutions, supporting long-term financial advancement for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
Solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Above average cost management and moderate debt levels
The university's ability to convert access into earnings growth
The university's ability to convert access into earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop-tier mobility outcomes with accessible admission
Illinois State University delivers strong earnings outcomes relative to its accessible admission profile and student demographics. Graduates earn a median of $62,117 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 76th percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $44,007 at the 25th percentile to $86,157 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. The institution generates $4,985 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 73.7th percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking accessible admission with strong economic mobility outcomes, particularly those interested in education, business, agriculture, or health programs. Well-suited for first-generation (29.6%) and Pell-eligible students (30.0%) looking for a large public university that delivers earnings beyond expectations.
Illinois State University admits approximately 89% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Illinois State in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than many four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78% indicates that Illinois State is notably more accessible than similar public universities, accepting 11 percentage points more of its applicant pool. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students have strong admission prospects at Illinois State University.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Illinois State University's published cost of attendance reaches $32,458 per year, including $16,021 in in-state tuition, $28,086 for out-of-state students, $11,584 for room and board, and $830 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
The typical net price after aid is $18,996, representing $13,462 in financial aid savings from the sticker price. This net price is $3,406 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating Illinois State costs more than similar public institutions after accounting for aid.
The cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with substantial support for lower-income students through need-based aid programs. Financial aid effectiveness varies considerably by family income, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial support.
Illinois State University's cost profile positions it as moderately expensive among public universities, though still substantially more affordable than private institutions. Students should expect meaningful financial aid that reduces published prices, particularly for families with lower incomes, though final costs remain above typical public university levels.
Construction Management, General.
59 graduates
Computer Science.
53 graduates
Information Resources Management.
29 graduates
Behavioral Aspects of Health.
43 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
35 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Similar quality tier (#147 ranked) | NC | 90% | $48,160 | #147 |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Illinois State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/illinois-state-university/analysis.
Illinois State University ranks #150 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with excellent mobility performance at the 94.2nd percentile. Located in Normal, Illinois, this large public university maintains accessible admission standards with an 89.0% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Illinois State enrolls 30.0% Pell-eligible students and 29.6% first-generation students, placing it well above typical peers on access measures. Graduates earn $4,985 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 73.7th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years after enrollment, placing Illinois State in the 76th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $1,574 more annually.
This combination of open access, strong student diversity, and solid economic outcomes positions Illinois State firmly within the Opportunity Builders category, where institutions provide broad access alongside meaningful economic advancement for diverse student populations.
The university's open admission approach reflects its commitment to providing educational opportunity to a broad range of students from diverse academic and economic backgrounds. Students should view Illinois State as a realistic option for admission while still maintaining academic standards through test score expectations and course preparation requirements.
For students building balanced college lists, Illinois State serves as both a solid target and potential safety school, particularly for Illinois residents. The combination of accessible admission with strong post-graduation outcomes makes Illinois State an attractive option for students seeking reliable admission chances alongside meaningful career preparation.
Illinois State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $50,599 six years after enrollment to $57,276 at eight years and $62,117 at ten years, representing 22.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 6,186 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $4,985 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Illinois State in the 73.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $47,000, demonstrating the institution's ability to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $44,007 at the 25th percentile to $86,157 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 23.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings distribution shows a 2.0:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles, reflecting meaningful variation in post-graduation outcomes across Illinois State's diverse program portfolio.
Illinois State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Agriculture, General stands out with a #1 national ranking, graduating 199 students with median earnings of $54,069 and an exceptional value score of 100.0.
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed ranks #7 nationally, graduating 156 students with median earnings of $49,411. Digital Marketing ranks #44 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 291 graduates with median earnings of $63,704 and a value score of 80.3.
Corrections Administration ranks #21 nationally with 160 graduates earning $54,043. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #52 nationally, graduating 245 students with the highest median earnings of $72,770.
Several programs achieve flagship status at the institution, including Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching with 428 graduates annually, reflecting strong student demand across Illinois State's diverse program portfolio.
University Of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Similar quality tier (#146 ranked) | OK | 77% | $63,126 | #146 | Compare |
Indiana University-Bloomington Similar quality tier in Midwest (#144 ranked) | IN | 80% | $63,742 | #144 | Compare |
North Carolina A & T State University Similar quality tier (#153 ranked) | NC | 46% | $44,440 | #153 | Compare |
Washington State University Similar quality tier (#154 ranked) | WA | 85% | $68,905 | #154 | Compare |
