Illinois State University welcomed 4,147 freshmen to its student body for the 2023-24 academic year, its largest incoming class in 36 years. Total enrollment stands at 20,989. This marks a 1.5 percent increase in total enrollment and a 4 percent increase in new freshmen.

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“We are excited to welcome another large, diverse, and academically talented incoming class for the 2023-24 academic year,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “Illinois State’s continued strong enrollment is a testament to the University’s high quality academic programs, individualized attention, and commitment to student success. Students and their families recognize these elements combine to make a first-rate college experience. I am very proud of our faculty and staff whose hard work and dedication continue to advance Illinois State’s reputation as an excellent and welcoming institution.”

The University’s total student population includes 18,450 undergraduates and 2,539 graduate students. Official enrollment figures were computed after the 10th day of classes.

“Students continually tell us that Illinois State University feels like home. We are thrilled that so many students have decided to make this their second home, and we are equally excited to see their future successes on our campus and in our community,” said Jana Albrecht, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. “Go Redbirds!”

Illinois State consistently admits students with strong academic profiles. The academic achievement of this year’s freshman class continues that trend with a high school GPA of 3.64 on a 4.0 scale (more than 1,000 students earned 4.0 or better). The incoming freshman class also includes 398 new students in the Honors Program.

Illinois State’s student body is becoming more diverse as well; approximately 41 percent of this year’s freshman class come from traditionally underrepresented groups. Thirty-two percent of the total student population comes from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Total Illinois State University enrollment for Fall 2023

Total: 20,989

Freshmen: 4,147

Transfer students: 1,814

Undergraduate students: 18,450

Graduate students: 2,539

International students: 741

Dr. Jana Albrecht discusses Illinois State’s continued enrollment success in this episode of Redbird Buzz.