Illinois State University: what international applicants need

What are Illinois State University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Illinois State University has one application deadline for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026. It also admits on a rolling basis.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Illinois State University's acceptance rate?

88.2% for students who started in fall 2024: Illinois State University admitted 19,017 of its 21,573 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Illinois State University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. Illinois State University requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Illinois State University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 490–590 in Math and 500–620 in Reading and Writing (44% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 21–27.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Illinois State University's application fee for international students?

Illinois State University's application fee is $65 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Illinois State University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Illinois State University accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Illinois State University accept?

Illinois State University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Illinois State University require?

Illinois State University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Illinois State University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Illinois State University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Illinois State University have?

169 of Illinois State University's 19,107 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 0.9%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Illinois State University cost for international students?

Illinois State University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $28,210 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $16,144). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $11,754. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $46,668 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Illinois State University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Illinois State University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 88 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source