Illinois State University (ISU), located in Normal, Illinois, is a prestigious public university known for its commitment to academic excellence and student development. Established in 1857, ISU holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in Illinois, and it has cultivated a rich tradition of fostering personal and intellectual growth. The university’s motto, "Gladly we learn and teach," reflects its dedication to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

ISU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including education, business, arts and sciences, and health sciences. The university is particularly renowned for its College of Education, which has consistently been ranked among the best in the nation. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research laboratories, and recreational centers, enhancing the overall student experience. With a vibrant campus culture, students can engage in a plethora of extracurricular activities, from academic clubs to artistic groups and athletic teams. The university's strong emphasis on community service and leadership development further enriches student life, preparing graduates to excel in their careers and become responsible citizens.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Illinois State University

Illinois State University has exhibited notable trends across several important metrics over the years. One significant aspect is the increasing tuition rates. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $12,338 in 2014 to $14,121 in 2024, marking a substantial increase of approximately 14.5%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduates faced an even steeper rise, with tuition jumping from $19,472 to $23,479, reflecting a hike of around 20.5%. This trend is consistent with broader national patterns where higher education costs have been escalating, raising concerns about accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate, which has shown a gradual improvement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 45.3% in 2013 to 50.1% in 2023, indicating a positive shift towards better academic performance and support systems within the university. This increase suggests that more students are completing their degrees within the traditional four-year timeframe, potentially reflecting enhancements in academic advising and student services.

Furthermore, the student retention rate has experienced fluctuations, peaking at 84.2% in 2021 before declining to 80.3% in 2023. This trend highlights the challenges universities face in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted many students' educational journeys.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently comprising a larger percentage. In 2023, women accounted for approximately 56.5% of the undergraduate population, reflecting ongoing trends in gender enrollment in higher education.

In summary, while Illinois State University is addressing the rising costs of education and improving graduation rates, it faces challenges in retention and maintaining student satisfaction, which are critical for its long-term success and reputation.

Trends in Graduates by Discipline at Illinois State University

The data from Illinois State University reveals intriguing trends in graduation numbers across various disciplines for the year 2023. Notably, the highest number of graduates is observed in the field of Elementary Education and Teaching, where 289 students earned their bachelor's degrees. This reflects a growing interest in education careers, particularly as the demand for qualified teachers continues to rise in the U.S.

In contrast, the data indicates a striking absence of international students graduating in several programs, especially in the fields of finance and liberal arts, where there are no reported graduates for both bachelor's and master's degrees. This could suggest a need for universities to enhance their outreach and support for international students in these areas, particularly as global mobility trends shift post-pandemic.

Additionally, the data shows that marketing remains a popular field, with 224 bachelor's degree graduates, including two international students. This aligns with the increasing need for marketing expertise in a world where digital presence and branding are paramount.

The lack of master's and doctorate graduates across various programs, particularly in business-related fields, raises questions about the availability of advanced studies in these areas, as well as potential barriers faced by students at the graduate level. Universities may need to analyze these trends further to address any gaps in their academic offerings and support mechanisms.

Overall, this data highlights the importance of adapting educational programs to meet both domestic and international student needs while responding to labor market demands. The trends suggest a dynamic landscape in higher education, necessitating ongoing evaluation and strategic planning.

Analysis of Admission Trends at Illinois State University

Illinois State University has experienced fluctuating trends in its rankings and admission rates over the years. Notably, the most recent ranking for 2025 places the university at 220, indicating a decline compared to previous years, such as the rank of 197 in 2020 and 206 in 2021. This downward trend could reflect various factors, including increased competition in higher education and shifting perceptions of institutional value. Admission rates for male and female applicants have shown variability as well. In 2023, the male admission rate was approximately 82.76%, while the female admission rate was about 88.68%. These figures illustrate a healthy interest from prospective students, but the university's ability to maintain or improve its rankings may hinge on its strategies to attract and retain high-caliber applicants. The enrollment numbers have remained relatively stable, with 3,983 students enrolling in 2023. However, this stability is contrasted by a significant number of denied applicants, totaling 2,697, and a staggering 12,916 deferrals. This scenario suggests that while the university has many applicants, it may be struggling to balance its enrollment capacity with the demand, potentially leading to the declining rankings. Overall, Illinois State University faces challenges that require strategic initiatives to enhance its academic reputation and adapt to the competitive landscape of higher education. The data underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a more favorable outcome in future rankings and admissions.

Trends in Admissions Data at Illinois State University

The admissions data from Illinois State University over the years reveals insightful trends regarding standardized test submissions and performance. Notably, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores has consistently been high, often reaching near total submission rates, with 100% in some years. This demonstrates the university's strong reliance on ACT scores for admissions, suggesting that prospective students often prioritize this exam in their applications.

In contrast, SAT participation appears to have fluctuated significantly, particularly in recent years. For instance, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores dropped to about 48% in 2023. This decline could reflect a broader national trend where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies, which has gained traction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift may also indicate a growing emphasis on holistic admissions practices, where other factors such as personal statements, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation increasingly play a critical role in the selection process.

Additionally, the scores themselves provide insight into the applicant pool's academic preparedness. For example, the reported SAT and ACT score ranges show a competitive applicant pool, particularly in the last few years where the lower quartile scores still demonstrate solid academic foundations. This data could suggest that while the number of students submitting standardized tests is changing, the quality of applicants remains robust.

Overall, Illinois State University's evolving admissions landscape reflects broader trends in higher education, where the importance of standardized testing is being reassessed, potentially leading to a more diverse and inclusive student body.

Overview of Student Demographics at Illinois State University in 2023

The student composition at Illinois State University in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the diversity and gender distribution among different categories of students. The university has a robust undergraduate population, with nearly 4,000 first-year students, where female students constitute about 57.1% of this group. This trend of higher female representation is consistent across the undergraduate continuing students, where females also make up approximately 57.4%.

Interestingly, the transfer student demographic shows a more balanced gender ratio, with males representing 51.1% and females 48.9%. This shift suggests that transfer students may be more diverse in their gender representation, possibly influenced by varying circumstances surrounding their decision to transfer.

The graduate student population, however, exhibits a significant gender disparity, with females accounting for 66.5% of the total. This might reflect broader trends in higher education where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, potentially driven by factors such as career advancement and the pursuit of specialized knowledge.

Furthermore, the racial composition of these student categories shows a predominance of white students in each group, while other racial and ethnic minorities like Asian, Latinx, and African American students represent smaller proportions. This reflects ongoing challenges in achieving racial diversity within higher education institutions, a topic that has garnered attention in recent years as universities strive to create more inclusive environments.

Overall, the data indicates a predominantly female student body across various categories, alongside a need for continued efforts towards greater racial and ethnic diversity at Illinois State University.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Illinois State University

The student age composition at Illinois State University showcases a diverse range of age groups among its undergraduate and graduate populations. The most prominent age bracket is 18-19 years, accounting for 52.6% of the total male students and 58.5% of the total female students. This reflects the university's strong appeal to traditional college-aged individuals, likely due to its robust programs and campus life.

The data reveals that the 20-21 age range also represents a significant portion of the student body, with 48.7% of male students and 56.7% of female students falling into this category. Together, these two age groups highlight the university's focus on younger, traditional students, which is a common trend in many higher education institutions across the United States.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable drop in enrollment among students aged 22-24, where the participation rates decrease considerably. This may indicate that many students are either graduating or transitioning into the workforce, which aligns with national trends where younger graduates often seek employment before pursuing further education.

Moreover, the presence of older students, particularly those aged 25-29 and above, demonstrates an increasing trend of non-traditional students returning to education. This demographic shift is crucial as it enriches the learning environment with diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive academic culture.

Overall, the data from Illinois State University illustrates the evolving landscape of higher education demographics, reflecting broader societal trends of increased participation from a variety of age groups in pursuit of academic and professional goals.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Illinois State University

The trends in international student enrollment at Illinois State University over the years reveal a fluctuating yet gradually improving landscape for graduate students, while undergraduate numbers show a concerning decline. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen a notable decrease, dipping from 0.87% to 0.77%. This trend could be attributed to various factors, including increasing competition from other institutions, changes in visa regulations, and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conversely, the graduate student demographic has experienced a significant rise in both the number and percentage of international students. The graduate enrollment percentage soared from 11.58% in 2004 to an impressive 22.72% in 2023. This increase could indicate a growing reputation of Illinois State University as a desirable destination for graduate studies, particularly as the job market evolves and more students seek specialized degrees to enhance their employability.

Moreover, the changes in enrollment patterns reflect broader trends observed in higher education, where international students are increasingly gravitating towards postgraduate programs, often seeking to gain advanced skills and qualifications that can lead to better job prospects. The rise in the number of international graduate students may also suggest that Illinois State University is effectively adapting to the changing educational landscape by offering programs that cater to the needs and aspirations of global learners.

In conclusion, while the decline in undergraduate international enrollment raises concerns, the significant growth in graduate student enrollment provides a positive outlook, highlighting the university's potential to attract a diverse and global student body in the future.

Here are some notable schools surrounding Illinois State University:

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Ranked 33rd in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.

2. Northwestern University - With a prestigious ranking of 6th, Northwestern is a leading private research university known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and its vibrant campus life.

3. University of Chicago - This top-tier institution, ranked 11th, is celebrated for its rigorous academic standards and is home to numerous Nobel laureates.

4. Purdue University-Main Campus - Ranked 46th, Purdue is known for its engineering and technology programs, drawing students from all over the world.

5. Bradley University - This comprehensive university ranks 189th and is known for its strong focus on professional preparation and community engagement.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are an integral part of the academic landscape in Illinois.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Illinois State University

The crime data from Illinois State University reveals a notable trend in campus safety over the years. Starting from a high of 31.91 incidents per 1000 students in 2014, the average crime rate has significantly decreased to just 8.80 incidents per 1000 students by 2023. This represents a reduction of approximately 72% in the crime rate, indicating a positive shift towards a safer campus environment.

The categories of arrests and offenses show that gun-related arrests, drug arrests, and alcohol-related arrests have decreased, reflecting a broader trend of declining violence and substance abuse on campuses nationwide. For instance, the number of gun-related arrests has dropped from 6 in 2013 to 3 in 2023, highlighting a concerted effort by the university and local law enforcement to improve safety measures.

Additionally, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the campus dynamics changed, potentially leading to lower crime rates due to reduced on-campus activities and gatherings. This decline in crime rates aligns with national trends, where many universities reported similar reductions during the pandemic.

However, it remains crucial for the university administration and community to continue their proactive measures in ensuring student safety. Awareness programs, mental health resources, and community engagement can further contribute to maintaining and improving these positive trends. As safety remains a top priority for educational institutions, ongoing efforts will be essential to sustain this downward trajectory in crime rates.

For more information on calculating crime rates, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.