Illinois State University welcomed 3,860 freshmen to campus for the 2019-2020 academic year, its largest freshman class in 33 years. Illinois State also saw its total number of graduate students grow for the fourth year in a row. Total campus enrollment stands at 20,878, a 1.2 percent increase over the last academic year. Official enrollment figures were computed after the 10th day of classes.
“This year’s historically large freshman class is part of the continuing trend of strong enrollment at Illinois State University,” said President Larry Dietz. “That is proof that students recognize the high quality of educational, growth, and leadership opportunities the University offers. Once they arrive on campus, students achieve real success, as evidenced by Illinois State’s high student retention and graduation rates.”
The University’s total student population includes 18,250 undergraduates and 2,628 graduate students. Transfer student numbers for this fall stand at 1,869.
“This fall’s enrollment figures reflect more than just an increase in the number of students on campus,” said Jana Albrecht, associate vice president of Enrollment Management. “They show an increasingly diverse and academically talented student body at Illinois State. These students are poised for success in a welcoming and supportive campus environment that will challenge them to be their best.”
Illinois State consistently admits students with strong academic profiles. The academic quality of this year’s freshman class has increased further with a high school GPA of 3.48 on a 4.0 scale, an average ACT score near 24, and an average score of 1121 on the SAT. The incoming freshman class also includes 441 students in the Honors Program, making it the University’s largest-ever incoming class of Honors students.
Illinois State’s student body is becoming more diverse as well, with 32 percent of this year’s freshman class coming from traditionally underrepresented groups. Twenty-six percent of the total student population comes from traditionally underrepresented groups, with the number of African American students increasing by 3 percent, and the number of Hispanic students going up by 6 percent. International enrollment has also increased by 8 percent over the previous academic year.
“Our staff members in Enrollment Management, Admissions, Financial Aid, the Graduate School, the University Registrar’s office, University College, University Housing, academic advisors, and many other faculty and staff members work year-round to recruit talented students and help them transition into their lives here on campus,” said Dietz. “That team approach is key to ensuring student success at Illinois State.”
Total Illinois State University enrollment
Fall 2019
Total: 20,878
Freshmen: 3,860
Transfer students: 1,869
Undergraduate students: 18,250
Graduate students: 2,628
International students: 558
