A dynamic scene on a college campus walkway under a canopy of lush green trees. A large group of people is seen walking on the path, with a sense of motion blur indicating movement, giving the scene a bustling and lively atmosphere. The trees and bright greenery frame the walkway on both sides, casting dappled shadows on the path. In the background, a red-brick academic building with white-trimmed windows is visible, adding to the classic campus setting.

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.

Graphic of a red bi-plane.
A graphic of the ISU skyline, featuring the silhouettes of dorm buildings, Cook Hall, a watertower, and CEFCU Arena.

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.

Explore Our Traditions

A large group of men and women in early 20th-century attire posed on a wooden porch. A horse-drawn carriage in a historical parade with people dressed in period clothing, surrounded by onlookers. Black and white image of a historical building (Old Main) with a clock tower and arched windows.

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.

  • Excellence

    We strive to the best in teaching, learning, and scholarship.

  • Individualized Attention

    Our learning environments are centered on our students.

  • Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging

    We model a campus culture of belonging for all.

  • Collaboration

    Shared governance ensures everyone's thoughts and ideas are heard and considered.

  • Community and Civic Engagment

    We're preparing future leaders to help shape a better society.

  • Respect

    Being open to new ideas and different perspectives helps us overcome challenges and learn from each other.

  • 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

Image Gallery

A white water tower labeled 'ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY' against a blue sky, framed by green leaves. Four people sitting at a table in a bright restaurant eating hot dogs. Women examining clothing in a colorful, eclectic shop. Three women examining items in a shop with wooden walls and various knick-knacks on shelves. Two musicians performing on stage under red lighting, with one prominently playing a guitar. A building with a semi-circular glass facade and a triangular sculpture near the entrance. Three people sitting at a table outdoors, engaging in conversation, with a laptop in front of them. Street view of Normal Theater with people walking by and gathered outside. A modern building with unique architecture and a golden sculpture in front, under a vibrant blue sky. Aerial view of a city roundabout at night with red lights and dynamic vehicle light trails. Outdoor music performance with a singer, a guitarist, and a percussionist. A singer and guitarist perform on stage with a drummer in the background, surrounded by blue and purple stage lighting, while the audience captures the moment on their phones. A person stands indoors, gazing upward, with colorful patterned tapestries in the background. Urban street at sunset with bare trees, buildings, and a cyclist.