Illinois State University welcomed 3,352 new freshmen to campus for the 2017-2018 academic year. The University’s total enrollment stands at 20,784 students. The official enrollment figures were computed after the 10th day of classes.
Illinois State’s overall student population includes 18,330 undergraduates and 2,454 graduate students. New transfer students number 1,810, while the number of new graduate students stands at 749. This year marks Illinois State’s highest graduate student enrollment in the last three academic years.
“This fall’s strong enrollment figures show that students recognize the quality and value of an Illinois State University education,” said President Larry Dietz. “Illinois State remains strong and stable and its track record of success continues in the midst of a highly competitive student recruiting environment and the lingering effects of an unprecedented state budget crisis. The University continues to prioritize personalized attention and student success.”
The academic quality of this year’s freshman class remains strong with a high school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale and an average ACT score near 24. This fall’s freshman class includes 215 students with an ACT score of 30 or higher.
“We are excited to have a very talented group of new students on campus this year,” said Jana Albrecht, associate vice president of Enrollment Management. “These students selected Illinois State because of the opportunity to work with creative and talented faculty and staff, our strong retention and graduation rates, and the welcoming and friendly environment.”
Nearly one quarter of the student population comes from traditionally underrepresented groups, with the number of Hispanic students at 2,030, and the number of African-American students at 1,706.
The University’s graduation rate of 72.2 percent puts it among the top 10 percent of colleges and universities in the country. Student success after graduation is also reflected in the University’s low student loan default rate of 2.8 percent.
“The work of recruiting motivated and academically talented students and assisting them in their transition to life here at Illinois State University goes on year-round,” said Dietz. “My thanks go specifically to the staff in Enrollment Management, Admissions, Financial Aid, the University Registrar’s office, University College, University Housing, and to the faculty and other staff involved in forming this year’s class. It is a team effort and the team performed very well again this year.”
Total Illinois State University enrollment
Fall 2017
Total: 20,784
Undergraduate students: 18,330
Graduate students: 2,454
Freshmen: 3,352
Transfer students: 1,810
