Illinois State University is the oldest public university in Illinois, being founded in 1857 and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Illinois State University's ranking in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 152. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,296 (2015-16); out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,886.

Undergraduates at Illinois State can choose from dozens of degrees, and master's students can major in many fields as well, including business, education, and social sciences and humanities.