Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois · Public · 88.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 74/100 · Fair Value
Illinois State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,144/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,210/yr |
| Average net price | $19,398/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $77,592 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,117 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,482 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,057 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,568 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,301 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,348 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,865 |
| $110,001+ | $28,224 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Illinois State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $49,240 | C+ |
| Marketing | $77,956 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $81,264 | B+ |
| Psychology | $51,941 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,326 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $62,506 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,660 | B+ |
| Accounting | $84,458 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,414 | C+ |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $54,452 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Illinois State University is $16,144/year ($28,210/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,398/year, or roughly $77,592 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,568/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,224/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,482 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $62,117 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 82.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 500-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-27 |
| Enrollment | 19,057 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,453 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University (this school) | 74 | $19,398 | $62,117 |
| Montclair State University | 71 | $15,566 | $61,415 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 68 | $17,747 | $56,887 |
| University of Oregon | 68 | $22,182 | $61,324 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Chicago State University | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Illinois State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $19,398 per year leads to $77,592 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $62,117 a decade out. The payback period of 8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $20,482 against $62,117 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.