Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Total Enrollment

20,989

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

207

207 programs

Full-Time Students

17,416

1,034 part-time

Total FTE

18,830

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

19:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

258
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
5698
Total Recent Graduates

With 20,989 students, Illinois State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 207 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 17,416 (94.4%)
94.4%
Part-Time Students 1,034 (5.6%)
Total Students 18,450

Predominantly full-time students (94.4%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (83.0%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
57.6%
12,080 students
Men
42.4%
8,909 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
65.3%
13,704 students
White
65.3% (13,704)
Hispanic/Latino
12.9% (2,713)
Black/African American
11.0% (2,308)
Two or More Races
3.8% (796)
International Students
3.5% (741)
Asian
2.7% (565)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (17)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (6)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 20,989 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 65% of the student body (13,704 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

18,450 students

44% Men, 56% Women
17,416 Full-time 1,034 Part-time
Diversity Index: 52% • Minority Students: 28%

Graduate students

2,539 students

32% Men, 68% Women
1,351 Full-time 1,188 Part-time
Diversity Index: 61% • Minority Students: 15%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

18,767
All full-time students
8,111 men, 10,656 women
Diversity: 54%

FT Undergraduate

17,416
Full-time undergraduate
7,599 men, 9,817 women
Diversity: 52%

FT Degree-Seeking

17,404
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
7,590 men, 9,814 women
Diversity: 52%

FT First-Time

4,133
Full-time first-time students
1,770 men, 2,363 women
Diversity: 60%

FT Continuing

13,271
Full-time continuing students
5,820 men, 7,451 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Transfer

1,659
Full-time transfer students
842 men, 817 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

11,612
Full-time other continuing
4,978 men, 6,634 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Non-Degree

12
Full-time non-degree seeking
9 men, 3 women
Diversity: 40%

FT Graduate

1,351
Full-time graduate students
512 men, 839 women
Diversity: 64%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,222
All part-time students
798 men, 1,424 women
Diversity: 51%

PT Undergraduate

1,034
Part-time undergraduate
510 men, 524 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,010
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
493 men, 517 women
Diversity: 56%

PT First-Time

14
Part-time first-time students
7 men, 7 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Continuing

996
Part-time continuing students
486 men, 510 women
Diversity: 55%

PT Transfer

155
Part-time transfer students
58 men, 97 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Continuing

841
Part-time other continuing
428 men, 413 women
Diversity: 55%

PT Non-Degree

24
Part-time non-degree seeking
17 men, 7 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Graduate

1,188
Part-time graduate students
288 men, 900 women
Diversity: 46%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

12,253
White
2,126
Black/African American
2,553
Hispanic/Latino
518
Asian
148
International
Diversity Index: 52% Minority Students: 28%

Graduate students

1,451
White
182
Black/African American
160
Hispanic/Latino
47
Asian
593
International
Diversity Index: 61% Minority Students: 15%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Illinois State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 20,989 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (83.0%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 18,830 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 59% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (19:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

North and School Streets

Normal, IL 61790-1000

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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