Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university located in Normal, Illinois. It was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, with a mission to train teachers for the state’s schools. Today, the university has expanded to offer over 160 undergraduate majors, 80 graduate programs, and a doctoral program in education. The university is known for its strong commitment to teacher education, as well as its excellence in the arts, sciences, and business.
ISU has a diverse student body, with over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, and 98% of its classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students. ISU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
The university has six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Applied Science and Technology, Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Mennonite College of Nursing. ISU is also home to the nationally recognized Milner Library, which has over two million volumes and serves as a hub for research and scholarship.
ISU has a strong commitment to community engagement, with a variety of programs and initiatives that promote collaboration between the university and the broader community. The university’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning offers a variety of service opportunities for students, as well as consulting and training services for community organizations. ISU is also home to the University Galleries, which provide free public access to contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. Overall, ISU is a vibrant and dynamic institution that provides students with a rigorous and engaging education, as well as numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Illinois State University
Do you want to know more about Illinois State University? Let’s take a look at these 35 interesting facts about Illinois State University.
- Illinois State University (ISU) was founded in 1857 as the Illinois State Normal University.
- ISU is located in Normal, Illinois, which is about 130 miles southwest of Chicago.
- ISU is a public university and is one of the oldest universities in Illinois.
- The university has over 20,000 students enrolled in over 160 undergraduate majors, 80 graduate programs, and a doctoral program in education.
- The student-to-faculty ratio at ISU is 19:1, and the average class size is 26 students.
- ISU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
- The university has six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Applied Science and Technology, Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Mennonite College of Nursing.
- The Milner Library at ISU has over two million volumes and is one of the largest academic libraries in Illinois.
- The university has a strong commitment to community engagement, with numerous programs and initiatives that promote collaboration between the university and the broader community.
- ISU is a leader in teacher education and has a long history of preparing educators for the state’s schools.
- The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
- ISU is home to the Gamma Phi Circus, the oldest collegiate circus in the United States.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
- ISU has a tradition of excellence in athletics, with 19 varsity sports teams competing at the Division I level.
- The university has a strong alumni network, with over 215,000 alumni worldwide.
- The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education, the Center for the Study of Education Policy, and the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.
- The university’s College of Education is one of the largest in the country and has been recognized for its excellence in teacher education.
- ISU is home to the Arts Technology Program, which provides students with access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the creation of digital art.
- The university has a number of study abroad programs, including partnerships with universities in over 50 countries.
- ISU has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive and welcoming campus community.
- The university’s School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers degree programs in music education, performance, and composition.
- The university is home to the Student Counseling Services Center, which provides mental health counseling and support services to students.
- ISU is a member of the Illinois Articulation Initiative, which allows students to transfer credits between participating colleges and universities in Illinois.
- The university has a number of student organizations and clubs, including a student-run radio station, a student newspaper, and a campus ministry.
- ISU has a tradition of academic excellence, with numerous faculty members who have been recognized for their research and scholarship.
- The university’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and offers degree programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
- The university has a strong commitment to social justice and offers a number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion.
- The university has a number of partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and other experiential learning opportunities.
- ISU has a tradition of excellence in theater and offers degree programs in acting, design, and production.
- The university’s School of Biological Sciences is home to the Functional Genomics Facility, which provides research support services to faculty and students.
- ISU is home to the Laboratory Schools, a network of K-12 schools that provide teacher education students with opportunities for classroom experience and observation.
- The university has a number of international partnerships, including agreements with universities in China, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.
- ISU has a strong commitment to student success, with a number of academic support services and resources available to students, including tutoring, advising, and career services.
- The university’s College of Fine Arts is home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, a professional theater company that performs each summer on the ISU campus.
- ISU has a number of online degree programs and courses, providing students with flexibility and convenience in their education.
Illinois State University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for its students. With a strong commitment to student success, undergraduate research, and community engagement, ISU is a leader in higher education in the Midwest and beyond. Its beautiful campus, welcoming community, and dedication to excellence make it an ideal destination for students seeking a well-rounded and enriching college experience. Whether pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, or humanities, students at ISU will find the resources, support, and mentorship they need to achieve their academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in the world.