Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Illinois State's 89% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should find admission accessible rather than reach-level competitive.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For students seeking even higher admission certainty, Abilene Christian University in Texas admits 100% of applicants while delivering graduate earnings of $55,736, reasonably close to Illinois State's $62,117. This option provides admission security with comparable career outcomes, though at a greater distance from Illinois.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to remain in Illinois have strong regional options. Northern Illinois University, located 99 miles away, offers similar earnings of $57,808 with a 70% admission rate and comparable program focus. University of Illinois Springfield, just 63 miles away, provides earnings of $57,103 with 84% admission and significantly lower net costs at $8,916 versus Illinois State's $18,996.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Students seeking comparable admission profiles can consider Eureka College, just 20 miles away, with an 88% admission rate nearly identical to Illinois State's 89%. University of Illinois Springfield offers 84% admission with similar academic expectations and better affordability, while maintaining the public university environment.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
