Illinois State University has achieved recognition as one of the top 100 “Best Value Schools” and “Best Online Bachelor’s Program” according to the “2024 Best Colleges: Find The Best School For You” report by U.S. News & World Report. These rankings consider various factors such as graduation rates, retention rates, and test scores.
Jana Albrecht, the associate vice president for enrollment management, outlined the steps taken by ISU to secure a spot in these rankings. Albrecht highlighted the university’s commitment to affordability and accessibility, noting the significant increase in institutional scholarship funds, particularly in the past five years. Additionally, Albrecht mentioned the ongoing expansion of online program offerings to broaden access to an ISU education.
A notable achievement for ISU was its ranking at No. 65 in the “Best Value” category, which evaluates the institution’s academic excellence against the net cost of attendance for out-of-state students. Furthermore, ISU secured the 209th position among more than 400 schools in the “Best National University” category, which considers the range and quality of majors, minors, programs, and research initiatives.
ISU also earned distinction as the 112th “Top Public School” out of over 220 institutions, with this ranking reflecting how state funding impacts in-state tuition costs for students.
Jeff Mavros, the executive director of admissions and recruitment marketing, underscored the significance of these rankings in attracting prospective ISU students. Mavros emphasized that in a competitive higher education landscape, such accolades serve as a key differentiator for students and parents navigating the college selection process. He noted that national recognition through media outlets can positively influence perceptions of the university.
For more details on the university rankings, please refer to the full list available here.