Skip to content
  • Top Colleges 2023
  • How to Choose Schools
  • Advice for Students
  • About
Find Schools
2022-2023 Colleges of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction: Indiana
2022-2023 Public Colleges of Distinction

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana

APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO
Visit the School Website »
indiana state university seal

Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University promotes academic inquiry in a welcoming, inclusive environment. From the moment they step foot on campus, students are welcomed into an environment founded on the core values of scholarship, diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence. Students enjoy the breadth of resources of a public institution with the personalized attention of a private school. 

At Indiana State, students get more than just a degree. They get eye-opening learning experiences. They develop close relationships with world-class faculty who truly care about their success. And Indiana State professors do more than just teach; they inspire, mentor, and challenge students to reach their fullest potential. Students graduate with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a constantly evolving world.

Get to know Indiana State University

7,654
Degree-Seeking Undergraduates
Enrolled female students
56%
 
Enrolled male students
44%
 
Gender Ratio
Full-time students
82%
 
Part-time students
18%
 
Full-time to Part-time Ratio
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Retention rate
Full-time faculty
70%
 
Adjuncts
30%
 
Faculty Ratio
16:1
Student/teacher ratio
$9,318
In-state tuition cost
$20,582
Out-of-state tuition cost
Aug. 15
Application deadline
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Acceptance rate
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Out-of-state students
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Full-time faculty w/ terminal degree

College Highlights

Engaged Students
Great Teaching
Vibrant Communities
Successful Outcomes
Admission & Aid
2022-2023 Business Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Education Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Engineering Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Nursing Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Affordable Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Career Development Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Equity & Inclusion Colleges of Distinction
2022-2023 Military Support Colleges of Distinction
Engaged Students

INDIANA CORE 40
Indiana State is committed to providing a high-quality, holistic education through the Indiana Core 40, which develops the basic competencies necessary for modern career preparation. Students must complete courses in the Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Physical Education, Health and Safety, and Directed Electives. 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

  • Sycamore Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF): This $2,500 reward allows students to conduct hands-on research with Indiana State faculty members.
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE): This 10-week intensive summer research program welcomes 34-40 students from the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; Earth and Environmental Systems; and Math and Computer Science departments. These paid research fellowships can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
  • Center for Student Research and Creativity: Since its founding in 2012, the CSRC has been committed to funding the full costs of attendance for ISU students who present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), the largest conference on undergraduate research in the country. Each year, approximately 4,000 undergraduates from all over the country present their scholarship as posters, oral presentations, performances, and works of art. It is a great opportunity for students to present their research and network with other undergraduate researchers.

EDUCATION ABROAD
Indiana State is proud to offer over 350 programs in more than 60 countries. Whether it’s a semester- or year-long program at a foreign university or a short, faculty-led course, there are so many opportunities for students to gain a global perspective. Indiana State is proud to help students overcome barriers to studying abroad by offering scholarships, timely graduation plans, and financial aid.

CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 170 | 10-19: 376 | 20-29: 259
30-39: 137 | 40-49: 65 | 50-99: 51 | 100+: 8

ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latinx: 6%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 15%
White, non-Hispanic: 71%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%

Great Teaching

FIRST-YEAR STATE START-UP
First-Year State Start-Up is specifically designed for students entering college for the first time. During State Start-Up, students gain useful insights about their academic major, obtain their Sycamore ID card, register for first-semester courses, and learn about campus resources. This is also a great opportunity to meet other students, faculty, and staff. All first-year students are required to attend State Start-Up. An optional separate family orientation program is also available to keep everyone informed and confident in this new academic journey. 

WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
At Indiana State, students have big ideas and learn how to share them effectively with the rest of the world. Written and oral communication are essential pillars of general education. Every student, regardless of discipline, will take writing-intensive courses throughout their time at ISU. The writing sequence at Indiana State requires students to satisfy two requirements: first-year composition and advanced composition. These courses are designed to develop and hone a student’s reading and writing competency by emphasizing mechanical correctness and rhetorical effectiveness. 

HONORS PROGRAM
Indiana State boasts a rigorous Honors program designed to push students academically, socially, and culturally. Honors students participate in a sequence of small classes led by expert faculty. The Honors College dean, staff, and faculty work with students to design a program of study that complements their course of study and promotes professional development. Honors students enjoy several benefits: tight-knight classes, interdisciplinary courses, experiential learning, undergraduate research, internships, and scholarly travel.

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program

Vibrant Communities

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Indiana State’s Living-Learning Communities allow students to have a more integrated academic experience. In an LLC, students take at least one course with classmates while living together in the same community residence, altogether connecting with peers and faculty for a more immersive learning experience. Each LLC has various support systems in place to help students thrive. Faculty members and Academic Success Educators coordinate programming like events, study sessions, and even informal dinners to build lasting relationships with students.

SCHOOL LOCATION
Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University boasts a campus as welcoming as it is beautiful. Nestled under sycamore trees, Indiana State has been recognized as a “Tree Campus” by the Arbor Day Foundation for 9 years.

ATHLETICS
The Indiana State Sycamores compete in NCAA Division I athletics.

Men’s sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Track & Field, General
Women’s sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball

RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 77%
Undergraduates: 28%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for students with disabilities
Fraternity/sorority housing
Theme housing

Learn more at www.indstate.edu/residential-life

Successful Outcomes

CAREER CENTER
Indiana State’s Career Center is an exhaustive resource for students who are just beginning their career search as well as alumni who are seeking a career change. It’s never too early for students to start their journey toward meaningful work. From their first semester on campus to graduation day, students are supported and nurtured as they identify and plan for a meaningful career. The team of experts at the Career Center offer a variety of services: exploratory assessments, internship and job search, and graduate school preparation. The Career Center also hosts numerous events so students can network with potential employers and learn about business etiquette. 

ARTS & HUMANITIES ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM
Christopher Olsen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, launched the Alumni Mentors program to connect students with career and networking opportunities. Indiana State alumni volunteer to mentor students in the College of Arts and Sciences to help nurture their passion and identify a path toward success. Students can browse a long list of alumni in their field of study to find the mentor who’s right for them.  

SYCAMORE GRADUATION GUARANTEE
The Sycamore Graduation Guarantee makes sure students can apply their knowledge and skills to the world’s greatest challenges as soon as possible. Eligible students will be able to complete a bachelor’s degree within four years. If not, they will be able to take remaining courses tuition free.

Admission & Aid

Admission

ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA

Considered
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Interview | Extracurricular activities |Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 930 | 75th Percentile: 1140
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 470 | 75th Percentile: 580
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 460 | 75th Percentile: 570
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25

Tuition & Cost

Tuition (in-state): $9,318
Tuition (out-of-state): $20,582
Fees: $280
Room: $7,346
Board: $3,836

What Others are Saying

Contact Indiana State University

Contact Admissions

indstate.edu/apply
(812) 237-2121
admissions@indstate.edu

Campus Location

200 North Seventh Street Terre
Haute, IN 47809

(812) 237-3773

Visit Indiana State Online

www.indstate.edu

<?= class="lazy" Colleges of Distinction; ?>

Colleges of Distinction was founded on the premise that there are hundreds of remarkable colleges across the United States, each with a unique strength to offer the next generation of college-bound students. We connect these colleges to curious, talented students.

  • Contact Us
  • Nominate a School
  • Media & Release
  • Privacy & Terms
  • The Best Colleges for You – Colleges of Distinction 2022
© 2023 Colleges of Distinction

Website made by the MAC

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

Are you an adult degree seeker?

Discover Abound