2025- 2026 Online Degrees Courses Avaliable to Local and International Students at Illinois State University

Illinois State University (ISU), established in 1857, is Illinois’ first public university and is located in Normal, Illinois. With a student population exceeding 21,500, ISU offers over 165 undergraduate majors, 90+ master’s sequences, and 10 doctoral programs. The university comprises seven colleges, including the College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering, Mennonite College of Nursing, and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts . ISU is recognized for its commitment to teaching excellence, research, and community engagement.

ISU has garnered national recognition for its academic quality. In the 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed ISU tied for 220 among America’s best national universities and tied for 112 among public national universities . The university’s emphasis on student success, affordability, and a vibrant campus life makes it an attractive choice for both domestic and international students.

Available Online Degree Programs

Illinois State University offers a range of online programs designed to provide flexibility for students balancing education with other commitments. These programs are accessible to both local and international students, subject to certain restrictions based on U.S. export control regulations .

Online Programs Offered:

• Post-Bachelor’s Certificates (8 programs): Professional development in various disciplines.

These programs are designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, offering asynchronous coursework to fit diverse schedules. However, it’s important to note that ISU does not currently offer online programs to individuals in certain countries due to U.S. export control regulations .

Tuition Fees

Tuition for online programs at ISU varies based on residency status:

• Undergraduate Programs:
  • Illinois Residents: $14,121 per year
  • Non-Residents: $23,479 per year
  • Graduate Programs:
  • Illinois Residents: $10,009 per year
  • Non-Residents: $12,646 per year

Scholarship Opportunities

ISU offers several scholarships and financial aid options to support students financially. While international students may not be eligible for federal aid, they can apply for various scholarships:

For Undergraduate International Students:

• International Admissions Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. Automatically considered for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale .
• Partial Tuition Waiver: Awarded based on merit, up to $5,000 per semester. Application deadline: March 17, 2025 .
• Aver and Tarhule Kuluku Academic Excellence & Leadership Scholarship: For students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership. Application deadline: March 17, 2025 .

For Graduate International Students:

• International Admissions Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year, renewable for one additional year. Automatically considered for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale .
• Lela Winegarner Scholarship: Available to international students. Application deadline: September 15 .

Students are encouraged to explore the ScholarshipFinder for a comprehensive list of available scholarships and their eligibility criteria.

Application Process

For International Students:

1. Choose a Program: Review the list of available online programs and select one that aligns with your career goals.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and letters of recommendation.
3. Submit Application: Apply through the ISU International Admissions portal.
4. Apply for Scholarships: Eligible students will be automatically considered for certain scholarships upon admission. For others, submit applications by the specified deadlines.
5. Visa and Immigration: Once admitted, work with ISU’s Office of International Engagement to obtain the necessary visa and understand immigration requirements.

For Domestic Students:

1. Choose a Program: Select an online program that fits your academic and career objectives.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Collect academic transcripts and any other required documents.(
3. Submit Application: Apply through the ISU Admissions portal.
4. Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.
5. Apply for Scholarships: Use the ScholarshipFinder to identify and apply for scholarships.

Apply here.