Founded in 1857, Illinois State University was the first public university in the state and is one of the Midwest’s oldest institutions of higher education. It is a coeducational, residential university. Its 34 academic departments in six colleges offer 77 undergraduate programs in more than 160 fields of study. The Graduate School coordinates 41 master’s, nine specialist, and ten doctoral programs.

The 1,110 acre campus includes more than 60 major buildings with state-of-the-art technology, and Watterson Towers is one of the most unique structures, as this residence hall is the tallest building between Chicago and St. Louis. Other major facilities include a Center for the Performing Arts, a 360-acre farm, Bone Student Center and Braden Auditorium, a University Planetarium, Redbird Arena, and Hancock Stadium. From meeting facilities to cultural opportunities through the arts, and excitement of numerous sporting events each year, ISU is a vital part of the Bloomington-Normal community.