Illinois State University

Illinois State University is Illinois' first public university. The university was founded in 1857 as the first public institution of higher education in the state. Established as a teacher education institution, it has developed into a multipurpose university with degree programs at the bachelor's, master?s, and doctoral levels. Illinois State University is an American university with global reach, attracting students and faculty from all over the world. Students can choose from over 165 undergraduate majors, 90 master's degree sequences, and 10 doctoral programs, Pathway programs, and Academic English preparation.

Over 400 Illinois State student athletes compete in 19 sports, primarily in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Redbirds have taken home nine team and individual national championships, hundreds of All-American honors and more than 160 MVC league titles. Led by the award winning Red Alert student section, fans pack the stands on gameday helping make Illinois State one of the toughest places to play in the Midwest.

Students strongest connections at Illinois State will come in the residence halls, including its 17 optional Themed Living-Learning Communities. The dining program is rated among the top 10 percent of all dining programs in the U.S. With more than 400 ways to get involved, it?s easy for students to find their community at Illinois State?or create their own.

The Fitness program offers a variety of regularly scheduled classes in cardiovascular, strength and mind/body training formats for all current members of the SFC. The Personal Training program is designed to provide our members with the personal attention of working with a trainer to reach all their fitness goals.

The Sport Club program within Campus Recreation is an exciting way for students to get involved in competitive recreational sports while attending Illinois State University. Each Sport Club is run primarily by students, with assistance by the Department of Campus Recreation. Clubs are open to any Illinois State student regardless of skill level, but cuts are possible and costs vary depending on the specific club. Clubs typically practice on or near campus twice or more per week and primarily compete in-state or regionally on weekends during fall and spring semesters.

University?s campus is in Normal, just a short drive from Chicago and St. Louis. Uptown Normal?s Amtrak station and Bloomington?s airport put it within a few hours of most major U.S. cities. Also, it is steps away from locally owned shops, restaurants, and hotels in this thriving central business district.