
About Illinois State
Small campus vibes with big opportunities.
Metrics of Excellence
1 in 3
Number of Redbirds graduating with no debt.
$15K Boost
On average, graduates earn 15K more per year.
19:1
Our student-to-faculty ratio gives you the support you deserve.
21K
Number of students enrolled at Illinois State.
Best. Town. Ever.
Just a few reasons we love living in Bloomington-Normal.
We're active.
Having 50 miles (and growing) of bike trail, it’s no wonder we’re known as a bicycle-friendly town. Our community also has 24 parks where you can be active with golf, pickleball, skating, swimming, and more.
We're safe.
With a lower-than-average crime rate, our community offers a secure and welcoming environment where everyone can feel safe.
We're thriving.
We're proud of our strong local economy that includes major employers in the area, such as State Farm Insurance, COUNTRY Financial, Rivian, and many others.
We're fun.
There's always something to do. Live theater, concerts, art exhibitions and galleries, festivals, fairs, museums, and shopping keep us busy and entertained.
We're eating.
When dining out, you can choose from more than 200 restaurants ranging from upscale to familiar.
We're convenient.
Our town is a transportation hub. Our buses, Amtrak, and airport, can get you anywhere you want to go.
Normal? That’s a funny name for a town. The Town of Normal was named after us! Originally called Illinois State Normal University, “normal” was a term used to describe a teaching school, and that’s the main thing we used to do. Our town, once North Bloomington, was renamed Normal in 1865, reflecting our influence.

A Rich History
Established in 1857, Illinois State University is Illinois' oldest public university. Our past includes generations of students and educators who made major impacts on the world. And after all this time, we're just getting started.



Old Main was the first building on campus. It stood from 1861-1957. Its tower could be seen for miles. Many travelers stopped to see this “magnificent” structure. The bell from the clock tower remains on the quad, marking Old Main’s location.
Our Mission and Values
Illinois State University prepares diverse, engaged, and informed members of society through collaborative teaching, scholarship, and service.
There's more to Illinois State than classrooms. We care deeply about our students, their future, and our communities.
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Excellence
We strive to the best in teaching, learning, and scholarship.
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Individualized Attention
Our learning environments are centered on our students.
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Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging
We model a campus culture of belonging for all.
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Collaboration
Shared governance ensures everyone's thoughts and ideas are heard and considered.
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Community and Civic Engagment
We're preparing future leaders to help shape a better society.
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Respect
Being open to new ideas and different perspectives helps us overcome challenges and learn from each other.
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Integrity
We promote high standards in all our endeavors.
Our Leadership
There's more to Illinois State than classrooms. We care deeply about our students, their future, and our communities.
Illinois State President
Our strategic plan helps us grow and succeed, and gives us a roadmap to a thriving future.
Administration and Shared Governance
Our strategic plan helps us grow and succeed, and gives us a roadmap to a thriving future.
Board of Trustees
Our strategic plan helps us grow and succeed, and gives us a roadmap to a thriving future.
Getting Around
Campus Resources
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