Illinois State University
Illinois State University
Illinois State University has been ranked #65 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2024.
Illinois State University delivers a high-quality academic experience at an affordable cost. Situated in Bloomington-Normal—less than 300 km from both Chicago and St. Louis—the university benefits from a strong quality of life, a reasonable cost of living, and a low unemployment rate. These advantages have earned it a place among the Top 5 Best Small College Towns in America, as ranked by College Values Online.
Home to over 20,000 students, the university fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, welcoming international students from 74 countries. Alongside outstanding academic programmes and supportive faculty, students can explore a wide range of internship and job opportunities in nearby major cities, including Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to Illinois State University and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.
Life at Illinois State University
At Illinois State University, students will enjoy a wealth of opportunities to engage in research, join over 400 student organisations, and build valuable connections through networking events with Fortune 500 companies. The university’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that international students feel welcomed and supported from day one. With more than 50 cultural organisations on campus, students can celebrate their own heritage or explore new cultures in a vibrant, inclusive environment.
Illinois State also places a strong emphasis on civic engagement, encouraging students to take part in activities that make a positive difference in local and global communities.
For those keen to explore beyond the campus, convenient travel options include train services to Chicago and St. Louis, or flights from Central Illinois Regional Airport—just 10 minutes away.
Illinois State University is dedicated to equipping students for successful careers by prioritising employability and fostering strong industry connections. The university’s career advisors provide tailored support to help students select a major, explore career paths, refine their CVs and gain hands-on experience through internships.
Throughout the academic year, Illinois State hosts numerous career fairs that allow students to engage directly with employers and alumni. Leading recruiters include ADM, Cintas, Pekin Insurance and Northwestern Mutual. With Bloomington-Normal located close to Chicago—home to the second-highest number of Fortune 500 companies in the US—students benefit from valuable internship and work opportunities in a thriving professional environment.
These connections contribute to impressive postgraduation outcomes. According to the Illinois State Office of International Engagement, 78% of international students either pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) or continue to higher studies within three months of graduating.
Bloomington-Normal is widely regarded as one of the top college towns in the US, offering a mix of charm, convenience and cultural appeal. With its scenic countryside, bike-friendly roads, and close proximity to the central business district, the town provides a welcoming and accessible environment for students. Local shops, restaurants and hotels are all within walking distance, and the area boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. In their downtime, students can enjoy art festivals, explore museums and galleries, or attend live performances.
Uptown Normal is also home to an Amtrak station, making weekend getaways easy. Students can hop on a train to Chicago to sample the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza or catch a Cubs baseball game. Alternatively, they can head to St. Louis to take in the views from the Gateway Arch, wander through the Grand Center Arts District, or relax in the expansive Forest Park.
Illinois State University offers comprehensive support to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, beginning even before classes commence. All new students receive a warm welcome during Transfer Registration and Orientation Day (TROD), helping them settle in with confidence. Throughout the academic year, a wide range of seminars and workshops are held to provide students with the tools, guidance and knowledge they need to succeed academically.
Personalised academic advising is available across various areas. First-year students, undeclared majors, pre-health students, interdisciplinary majors and student-athletes can all access tailored support through University College’s advising services.
For those seeking academic assistance, free tutoring is available at the Julia N. Visor Academic Centre, also located within University College. Here, students benefit from small-group learning sessions led by certified tutors, ensuring a supportive and individualised learning experience.
Illinois State University provides safe, well-equipped residence halls conveniently located on campus. Many international students choose to live in the Hewett-Manchester residence hall complex, which is situated close to Milner Library and features living-learning communities that bring together students with similar academic interests.
Accommodation consists of double rooms with shared, centralised bathrooms. Each room includes essential furnishings such as beds, dressers, desks, desk chairs, along with Wi-Fi and cable TV outlets. Residence halls also offer a range of amenities, including study areas, computer labs, laundry facilities and fitness centres.
For postgraduate students seeking accommodation off campus, Illinois State University offers a variety of resources to support their housing search.
Illinois State University is continually enhancing its facilities to better support students and faculty. One of the most recent upgrades is the renovation of the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) Rotunda. This expansive space now features four-tiered lecture halls that accommodate around 4,000 students. Structural improvements include a raised concrete floor to allow for accessible ramps, along with the installation of a modern HVAC system.
In addition, the Mennonite College of Nursing is developing a new facility that will surround the existing Simulation Centre. This cutting-edge space will offer an advanced clinical education environment, incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology. The expansion will enable the college to increase enrolment by 400 students and broaden opportunities for hands-on research and training.
Illinois State University’s Sport Club programme offers students the chance to take part in a wide range of competitive sports, including baseball, badminton, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and tennis. Most clubs train on or near campus at least twice a week and typically compete in-state or regionally on weekends throughout the autumn and spring semesters. Students can also stay active through intramural sports, fitness classes and adventure clubs.
For those looking to get involved beyond athletics, the university boasts over 400 registered student organisations. These groups provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests, connect with peers, apply their academic knowledge and develop valuable leadership skills.
Led by the Office of Sustainability, Illinois State University’s sustainability initiatives aim to minimise the institution’s environmental footprint. Both students and faculty actively contribute to various green efforts, including a zero-waste policy, sustainable shopping practices that promote reusable and eco-friendly products, and environmentally conscious operations at campus dining facilities and events.
The university remains firmly committed to lowering energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Current conservation measures include upgrading campus lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and expanding the use of solar panels.
Throughout the year, the campus celebrates several sustainability-focused events such as Fix It Friday—where worn clothing is repaired instead of thrown away—along with World Water Day, World Environment Day and America Recycles Day.
RANKING
#65 in Best Value Schools (U.S. News & World Report 2024)
#85 Best Colleges for Information Technology (Niche.com 2024)
Search Programmes at Illinois State University
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at Illinois State University, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.