Illinois State University (ISU), located in Normal, Illinois, is the oldest public university in the state, established in 1857. As a comprehensive institution, ISU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on teacher education, business, and the arts. The university is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity, promoting academic achievement through a supportive learning environment. The campus is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research laboratories, and recreational centers, which contribute to a vibrant academic and extracurricular life.

ISU's commitment to student success is reflected in its strong faculty-student relationships and diverse campus culture. The university's slogan, "Gladly We Teach," encapsulates the dedication of its faculty in nurturing students both academically and personally. With a focus on leadership, community service, and global engagement, students are encouraged to participate in various organizations and activities, enriching their educational experience. Additionally, the beautiful campus, with its green spaces and historic buildings, cultivates a welcoming atmosphere for all. With a robust career services department, ISU effectively prepares its graduates for successful careers in a variety of fields, making it a prominent choice for students seeking higher education in the Midwest.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

In recent years, Illinois State University has experienced notable changes in tuition and affiliated metrics. Over the period from 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has increased from approximately $12,338 to around $14,121, marking a rise of about 14.5%. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition has seen a more significant jump, escalating from $19,472 to $23,479, which is an increase of nearly 20.4%. This trend reflects a broader pattern in higher education, where rising tuition costs can affect student accessibility and enrollment patterns.

Concerning graduation rates, the institution’s on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from approximately 43.8% in 2014 to 50.1% in 2023, showcasing a positive trajectory of about 14.4% over the years. This rise could be attributed to improved academic support services or enhanced student engagement strategies, which often contribute to higher retention and completion rates. The 150% graduation rate, a broader measurement, also indicates a relatively stable performance, albeit with minor fluctuations.

Student retention rates have also shown a notable trend. In 2019, retention rates dipped to 78.6%, but they recovered to 83.2% in 2022 and showed a slight decrease to 80.3% in 2023. Maintaining high retention rates is crucial as they often influence overall graduation rates and institutional reputation.

The student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, averaging around 19 across these years, indicating consistent faculty availability for students. A lower ratio generally signals better access to instructional support, which is essential for enhancing students’ academic experiences.

In summary, while the university has faced challenges with rising tuition and fluctuating retention rates, improvements in graduation metrics suggest positive shifts in academic success and support systems for students. Balancing affordability with quality education remains a critical focus for institutions like Illinois State University.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Illinois State University

The graduation data from Illinois State University reveals interesting trends and insights into the various fields of study offered at the institution. Notably, the program with the highest number of bachelor's degree graduates is Elementary Education and Teaching, with 289 graduates. This suggests a strong emphasis on education programs, which might be indicative of the growing demand for qualified educators in the broader job market.

In contrast, certain areas such as Biology/Biological Sciences and several others show little to no graduation figures. This lack of graduates might reflect either a lower enrollment in these programs or perhaps a strategic decision by the university to focus more resources on more popular or in-demand fields. Furthermore, among international students, only a couple of graduates were reported in Marketing/Marketing Management, highlighting an area where Illinois State University may want to bolster its outreach or program offerings to attract a more diverse student body.

The educational sector is currently undergoing significant changes, with many institutions adapting to the increased demand for online learning and mixed-mode programs due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Illinois State can leverage these trends to enhance its graduation numbers in underrepresented areas and cater to shifts in global education needs.

Overall, the data reflects the strengths and potential areas for growth within Illinois State University’s academic offerings, suggesting that a balanced approach towards both popular programs and those with lower enrollment could better equip future graduates for the workforce. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as educational institutions face increasing competition and need to respond effectively to shifting market demands.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at Illinois State University

Illinois State University has experienced a notable decline in its ranking over the years, with the most recent ranking for 2025 being 220. This downward trend could raise concerns about the university's appeal and competitive edge in higher education. Looking at admission rates, there was a significant fluctuation throughout the past decade. Beginning in 2010, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants were around 60% and 63% respectively, indicating a moderately selective admission process. However, we see a peak in the acceptance rates around 2016-2019, where the male acceptance rate soared to approximately 87% and the female acceptance rate slightly trailing at around 90%. This may suggest Illinois State University's strategy to increase enrollment numbers during those years. More recently, the rates began to stabilize, with figures around 82% for males and 89% for females in 2023. This indicates a further attempt to maintain student enrollment against a backdrop of increasing academic and economic challenges. The recent class sizes have also been noteworthy, with enrollment increasing to 4,147 students in 2024 alongside relatively high denial numbers, raising questions about the university's prioritization of growth versus selectivity. Even though Illinois State University faces challenges reflected in its current ranking, the relatively high admission rates suggest an ongoing effort to attract a broad pool of applicants. As competition intensifies in the academic landscape, how the university adapts its strategies will be crucial for its future standing.

Trends in Standardized Test Scores and Submission Rates at Illinois State University

Over the years, Illinois State University has shown a notable trend in standardized test submissions, particularly regarding the ACT and SAT. The percentage of students submitting ACT scores has remained consistently high, often reaching nearly 100%. This suggests that the ACT continues to be a critical component of the admissions process for Illinois State University, appealing to prospective students.

However, the landscape shifts when analyzing the SAT data. While SAT submissions began moderately, there was a significant increase in both submission numbers and proportions as time progressed, particularly in 2020 when 82% of applicants submitted SAT scores. Nonetheless, the recent years, especially from 2022 onward, reveal a concerning decline in both the number of SAT submissions and the proportion of students presenting their scores for admission consideration. The 2024 data shows only 35% of students submitted SAT scores, indicating a potential shift in applicant preferences or a move towards test-optional policies.

Furthermore, the score ranges for both SAT and ACT highlight a consistent level of achievement among admitted students. The 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores for the SAT and ACT reveal a competitive standard for applicants aiming to secure a place at the university. The growing acceptance of diverse admission paths may lead to fluctuations in score averages, allowing the institution to adapt to changing educational environments and applicant demographics.

As Illinois State University navigates this evolving landscape, it will be crucial to monitor trends in standardized testing to ensure that they align with the university's mission and the needs of prospective students.

Student Demographics at Illinois State University in 2024

The student composition at Illinois State University for the year 2024 reflects a diverse and balanced community among different academic levels. The undergraduate freshmen constitute a notable segment with a total of 4,147 students, where females comprise 57.1% and males account for 42.9%. This gender distribution is somewhat modestly skewed towards female students, echoing national trends in higher education where women are often enrolling in greater numbers than men.

Continuing students, defined as undergraduate old students, represent the largest group at 12,453. Here, the ratio of males (43.4%) to females (56.6%) continues the trend of a female majority. This consistent pattern across both the new and continuing undergraduate demographics hints at the university's supportive environment for female students, which may encourage higher enrollment rates among them.

Undergraduate transfer students and graduate students display a different demographic landscape. Transfer students total 1,814, showing a nearly even split in gender at 49.6% male and 50.4% female, demonstrating inclusivity. Meanwhile, graduate students, numbering 2,539, have a more pronounced female representation, with women making up 68.5% compared to 31.5% men. This statistic highlights the increasing prominence of women in graduate studies, which raises important questions about the retention and progression of male students in advanced academic settings.

Overall, the data presents a microcosm of the broader societal shift towards increased female enrollment and highlights diversity in racial demographics, although detailed breakdowns by race for some groups remain undisclosed. Understanding these trends is vital for fostering an equitable educational environment and addressing the unique needs of all students.

Age Composition of Students at Illinois State University in 2024

The age distribution of students at Illinois State University offers valuable insights into the demographics of its student population for the year 2024. A significant portion of the students, approximately 73.5% of the total, falls within the 18-21 age range, which includes both undergraduates and graduates. This aligns with national trends where younger students constitute a large segment of university enrollments, emphasizing the traditional student model.

As students advance in age, particularly those aged 22 to 24, there is a noticeable decrease in numbers. This decline is expected and reflects the natural progression of student life where many graduate by their mid-twenties. Furthermore, the data shows that participation among students aged 25 and older remains relatively low, comprising only about 6.4% of the total enrollment, which may suggest that while adult learners are present, they are a smaller segment compared to their younger counterparts.

Interestingly, the presence of graduate students begins to rise noticeably in the 25-29 age group, particularly among males, indicating that many individuals pursue further studies as they settle into their careers. The university also serves a diverse age demographic, with students over 30 comprising around 6.5% of the total population, reflecting a commitment to lifelong learning.

In conclusion, the age demographics at Illinois State University mirror broader educational patterns in the United States, where traditional-age students dominate, while a smaller, yet significant number of older students continue to enrich the campus community through diverse experiences and perspectives. As higher education continues to evolve, fostering an inclusive environment for all age groups will be essential for the university's educational mission.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Illinois State University

The data from Illinois State University provides a revealing glance into the trends of international student enrollment across various years. Over the period from 2005 to 2024, both undergraduate and graduate international student populations have shown fluctuations, highlighting the dynamic nature of global education.

Initially, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate program was relatively low, peaking at only 0.87% in 2005 and experiencing a gradual decline over the following years, reaching its lowest at 0.59% in 2018. However, a significant turnaround occurred in 2019, where the percentage jumped to 0.91%. This increase marked a trend that continued into the 2020s, culminating in 2024 with 0.80%, indicative of renewed interest in the institution from international students.

The graduate program data displays an even more striking narrative. The representation of international students rose notably from 10.28% in 2005 to a staggering 23.36% in 2024. This suggests a growing recognition of the university’s appeal for graduate studies among international applicants, accompanied by an increasing global demand for advanced education in various fields.

The effects of socio-political factors and changing policies surrounding international education likely influenced these trends. Schools like Illinois State University will need to maintain and enhance their support systems for international students to not only attract but also retain this vital demographic in the future. Overall, the data reflects the evolving landscape of international education, signaling both challenges and opportunities for Illinois State University in the coming years.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Illinois State University:

• Bradley University: Ranked 189th in the US News 2025 rankings, Bradley University is a comprehensive university located in Peoria, Illinois. Known for its strong engineering and business programs, it offers a collaborative learning environment and various extracurricular opportunities.

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: With a rank of 33, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is recognized as a leading comprehensive university. It boasts a diverse range of academic programs, innovative research, and a vibrant student life.

• Knox College: Knox College, ranked 83rd, is a prominent liberal arts college located in Galesburg, Illinois. It emphasizes a personalized education with small class sizes and encourages students to engage in internships and study abroad programs.

• Purdue University-Main Campus: Known for its engineering and technology programs, Purdue University is ranked 46th and offers a comprehensive education with a focus on research and innovation.

• Northwestern University: Ranked 6th nationally, Northwestern University in Evanston is known for its strong emphasis on research and its prestigious law and business schools, making it one of the top universities in the country.

These institutions not only provide a quality education but also enrich the regional academic landscape surrounding Illinois State University.

Trends in Campus Crime Rates at Illinois State University

The crime statistics at Illinois State University over the years present a telling narrative regarding student safety on campus. From 2013 to 2015, the overall crime rate rose sharply, peaking in 2015 with a rate of 34.40 incidents per 1,000 students. However, this upward trend began to reverse thereafter, with the figures dropping significantly through 2022. Notably, in 2021 and 2022, the average crime rates plummeted to 8.62 and 8.22 per 1,000 students, respectively, indicating that the campus has become increasingly safer.

Several types of offenses have contributed to these statistics, with arrests for gun-related incidents and drug-related offenses being notable categories. Interestingly, despite fluctuations in the overall crime rate, recent years have shown a decrease in these serious offenses, which may correlate with national trends focusing on campus safety and preventive measures being implemented.

The consistent decline in reported incidents, especially in serious categories such as assault and robbery, reflects a positive shift, suggesting enhanced safety measures and a stronger campus community response towards preventing crime. However, it is crucial to maintain vigilance and promote awareness among students regarding the potential risks on and around campus.

As we interpret these trends, it is also essential to acknowledge that crime rates can be influenced by various external factors, including the surrounding community dynamics and national policies on law enforcement. Continuous monitoring and preventive strategies will be key in sustaining the improved safety environment at Illinois State University moving forward.

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