Illinois State University saw a 10 percent increase in its freshman class as it welcomed 3,689 new freshmen to campus for the 2018-2019 academic year. Illinois State also saw its total number of graduate students grow for the third year in a row, with this fall’s number at 2,528. Official enrollment figures were computed after the 10th day of classes.
President Larry Dietz
“The growth in this fall’s freshman, graduate student, and transfer student numbers show that students recognize the high quality of the academic programs and the personalized attention that Illinois State University provides,” said President Larry Dietz. “Those factors also contribute to the University’s continued strong and stable enrollment. Illinois State is a welcoming and supportive community that emphasizes student success.”
The University’s total enrollment stands at 20,635 students. That total student population includes 18,107 undergraduates and 2,528 graduate students. The number of transfer students for fall 2018 increased slightly to 1,817. The University’s total enrollment remains stable with only a slight fluctuation (0.7 percent) below the total for fall 2017.
Jana Albrecht
“We are proud to have so many young men and women choose Illinois State to be their home for the next four years,” said Jana Albrecht, associate vice president of Enrollment Management. “This year’s freshman class is the second-largest class in the last 25 years, and they are replacing one of the largest graduating classes in recent history. These new students are joining a campus full of caring faculty, staff, and other students. We look forward to watching these students grow and succeed in an environment that will challenge them academically while still being friendly and welcoming.”
The academic quality of this year’s freshman class remains strong with a high school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, an average ACT score near 24, and an average of 1110 on the SAT.
The academic quality of this year’s freshman class remains strong with a high school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, an average ACT score near 24, and an average of 1110 on the SAT.
Twenty-five percent of the student population comes from traditionally underrepresented groups, with the total number of Hispanic students at 2,133, a 5 percent increase over the last academic year; and the number of African American students at 2,133, a 7 percent increase.
The University’s graduation rate of 68.8 percent is 23 percent above the national average. Student success after graduation is also reflected in the University’s low student loan default rate of 3 percent.
“Recruiting motivated and academically talented students and assisting them in their transition to life here at Illinois State University is a major team effort,” said Dietz. “Staff 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 diligently year-round to ensure the success of our students. Effort like that is what makes Illinois State a first-choice institution.”
Total Illinois State University enrollment
Fall 2018
Total: 20,635
Freshmen: 3,689
Transfer students: 1,817
Undergraduate students: 18,107
Graduate students: 2,528
