Illinois State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Illinois state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- Out-of-state tuition discounts (border-state waiver)
- Honors Program and leadership-based awards
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~86%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1050–1260
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: Illinois State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Illinois State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Illinois State University rewards strong academic performance with automatic merit awards such as the Redbird Academic Scholarship and AIM HIGH Redbird Award. Top students can also compete for the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, making ISU one of the most affordable large public universities in the Midwest.
Students from neighboring states—including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin—automatically receive in-state tuition, creating an especially strong value for regional families. Combined with ISU’s Honors Program and student-centered focus, it’s a standout option for cost-conscious achievers.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Illinois State is test-optional through 2026 and evaluates GPA, coursework, and leadership for scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–27; SAT: 1050–1260 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $18,996/year after aid (2022–23 College Scorecard). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school offer out-of-state discounts? Yes — residents of IA, IN, KY, MO, and WI pay in-state tuition automatically.
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/outofstate/
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/cost/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?145725-Illinois-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Illinois State University
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (15 credits/semester) | $15,824 | $27,890 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + plan) | $12,286 | $12,286 |
| Total (before aid) | $28,110 | $40,176 |
Note: Books & supplies (~$740), transportation (~$900), and personal expenses (~$1,600) are not listed in the table because they aren’t paid directly to Illinois State. These indirect costs vary by student but are included when the university calculates total financial aid eligibility.
Example savings: Out-of-state tuition of $27,890 drops to $15,824 for qualifying students — a difference of roughly $12,000 per year with no separate application required.
Cost & Reciprocity FAQ
Who qualifies for the border-state rate?
Legal residents of Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, or Wisconsin who are admitted to Illinois State automatically receive in-state tuition status.
How much does this save?
Around $12,000 per year in tuition — nearly $48,000 over four years for qualifying students.
Do we need to apply separately?
No. The waiver is automatic based on residency information submitted with your application; no extra form is required.
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/cost/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/outofstate/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?145725-Illinois-State-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Illinois State offers automatic awards to incoming freshmen based mainly on high school GPA. These are granted at the time of admission review—no extra application is needed if you meet the priority deadline.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redbird Academic Scholarship | $1,000–$5,000/yr (up to $16,000 total)* | First-year admits; 3.25+ GPA (test-optional OK) | No | Yes — up to 4 years (maintain 2.75 GPA & 12 credits/semester) | Awards scale with GPA; 3.5+ GPAs often get higher tiers. ISU doesn’t publish precise cutoffs. | Apply by Nov 1 (Priority) |
Note: ISU does not publish exact GPA/test cutoff tiers for Redbird; the “up to” figure reflects the maximum possible award. Ranges depend on GPA, course rigor, and holistic academic record.
*Source award range may be $1,000–$5,000/year depending on cohort and budget year; $16,000 total cited for maximum.
Automatic Merit FAQ
How do students qualify for Redbird awards?
Apply to ISU by the Nov 1 priority deadline. This scholarship is automatic—no separate form is needed.
Does ISU superscore ACT or SAT?
Yes. ISU considers the highest sub-scores from multiple ACT/SAT dates to build your best composite (superscore). Test-optional applicants receive full merit consideration.
Can Redbird stack with the border-state tuition match?
No. Border-state is a tuition adjustment, not a scholarship. Students receive either the in-state rate through border-state or Redbird (not both).
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes—for up to four years if you keep a 2.75+ GPA and 12+ credits per semester.
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards go beyond GPA alone. They require extra applications, essays, or even interviews, and only a select number of students are chosen each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesse W. Fell Scholarship | Up to $12,000/year (up to $48,000 total) | Freshmen, 3.75+ GPA, admitted by Nov 1 | Yes—application by Dec 15; finalist interview required | Yes—renewable for 4 years (minimum GPA of 3.0, 12 credits/semester) | High-achieving students with rigorous courses, leadership, and interview success | Dec 15 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship | $1,000 (one-time) | IB Diploma or IB Career-Related Certificate completers | Yes—apply by Mar 1, admit by Nov 1 | No | Students completing the IB program and admitted by priority deadline | Mar 1 (submit docs by Jul 15) |
| Achievement Scholarship (National Merit Finalist) | Varies (unlisted) | Confirmed National Merit Finalists, applied by Nov 1 | Yes—apply by Apr 1; finalist status by Jul 15 | Not specified | Students officially designated as National Merit Finalists who meet all steps | Apr 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these considered competitive?
Unlike automatic Redbird awards, these require essays, separate applications, or interviews, and only a limited number of students are chosen.
Are these worth the extra effort?
Yes—the Jesse W. Fell is ISU’s top award, covering a large share of tuition, and the IB and National Merit scholarships provide valuable recognition and funding.
Can these stack with Redbird scholarships?
In most cases, ISU will give you the single highest award rather than allow full stacking. Always confirm with your financial aid package.
Key deadlines?
Apply for admission by Nov 1. Fell app due Dec 15. IB by Mar 1, Achievement by Apr 1, and IB/Finalist proofs by Jul 15.
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/
🎖️ Honors College
At Illinois State, the Honors Program isn’t a separate college, but a prestigious community offering priority registration, discussion-based classes, specialized advising, and leadership opportunities. Motivated students find smaller academic settings and access to major university awards through their participation.
High school GPA 3.7+ (AP/IB, dual credit or honors), service/leadership, academic curiosity.
*Based on recent awardee data; ISU does not publish official cutoffs.
Perks include priority registration, Honors housing, small classes, undergrad research, and faculty mentorship.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition (in-state); substantial award (nonresident) | Honors admit, invitation to competitive interview | Yes—interview required | Yes (4 yrs) | 3.9+ GPA, strong rigor, leadership/service, top interviewees | Interview day (spring) |
| University Honors Scholarship | Substantial (varies, often $2,000–$5,000) | High-achieving Honors admits | No—automatic with Honors admission | Yes | Usually 3.8+ GPA, strong AP/IB or dual credit, research/service shown | Offers after Honors decision |
| Honors First-Year Scholarship | One-time tuition waiver (amount varies yearly) | New Honors students, selected from Fell app pool | No—chosen by Honors review | No (1st yr only) | Honors admits who submitted a top Fell application | After Honors/Fell review |
| Honors Program Departmental Scholarships | $500–$2,000 (varies) | Honors students in select majors/depts | Yes—via department | Sometimes | Engaged, high-performing Honors (GPA ≥ 3.5 accepted) | Dept cycles (spring/fall) |
| Bone Scholar (current students) | Full tuition + stipend | Sophomores+, Honors or high-performing upperclassmen | Yes—department/Honors nomination | No (one-year honor, must re-apply) | Multiplying academic achievement, leadership, & service | Feb/March |
GPA bands and eligibility are based on university Honors and scholarship pages and recent recipient data.
Honors Program FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic?
No; students must separately apply to Honors except for Fell Scholarship finalists, who are auto-admitted.
Does Honors add extra credits/time?
No; fits within a standard 4-year degree path.
How selective?
Very—Presidential and Bone are among ISU’s most prestigious undergrad awards.
What deadlines?
Apply for ISU by Nov 1; Honors and scholarship deadlines are soon after. Presidential interviews and Bone nominations happen in late winter/early spring.
https://honors.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/
https://honors.illinoisstate.edu/
https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships/
https://collegereadyparent.org/illinois-state-university-scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Illinois State isn’t just a solid all-around university—it’s a place with programs that shine far beyond Normal, Illinois. Families looking for strong teaching, healthcare, or business pipelines will find ISU on the short list statewide and sometimes nationally.
- Nursing (Mennonite College of Nursing) — NCLEX pass rates regularly above 95%, well above state and national averages, with a new $18M simulation lab dedicated in 2024.
- Insurance & Risk Management (Katie School, College of Business) — Recognized nationally for strong corporate partnerships and internship pipelines; a leading program in the Midwest.
- Fine Arts (College of Fine Arts) — Highly regarded theatre and visual arts programs, with alumni working across Chicago and national stages.
Note: Illinois State is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University (not R1). Its reputation comes from professional excellence in fields like teaching, nursing, and insurance rather than research classification.
📎 Official Links
- Illinois State University Homepage
- Illinois State University Honors Program
- Illinois State Scholarships (Admissions)
- Illinois State Financial Aid Office