Indiana State was originally founded as Indiana State Normal School in 1865. The University changed its name three times and finally agreed upon today’s name in 1965. Indiana State has had ten presidents serve during its history, including William Wood Parsons, whose tenure as President lasted more than 35 years (1885-1921).
Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, Indiana. It was founded in 1865 as a normal school, became a state college in 1960, and received university status in 1965. The University now awards associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Individual programs are also accredited by appropriate bodies.
There are study abroad programs offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, and there are several degree completion, certification, and graduate programs available through distance learning. Distance learning courses include on-line, televised, correspondence, and videotape lessons.
Indiana State University defines its mission as “to educate students to be productive citizens of Indiana by making the knowledge and expertise of its faculty available and accessible.”
Indiana State University
Academics
Indiana State is home to six different colleges offering more than 100 majors. The most popular majors include elementary/early childhood education, criminology, communications, and systems & decision sciences. Total faculty count more than 450, and the faculty-to-student ratio is low at 1:17. The average class size is 23. Indiana State advocates experiential learning, regardless of major, meaning that all students in all disciplines have the opportunity to actually practice their field of study rather than just read and hear about it.
The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Science, the College of Business, the College of education, the College of Health and Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Technology.
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including the arts and humanities, business, education, communication disorders, health, exercise, nursing, and career and technical education. There are also a number of pre-professional programs. Associate degrees are offered in criminology, liberal studies, speech-language pathology, and several technology fields.
Master’s degrees are awarded in many fields, including the humanities, education, communication, marriage and family therapy, and public administration. An MBA is awarded. A specialist degree (Ed.S.) is also available in school administration and in school psychology. There are also a number of certificate and non-degree programs.
The school awards doctoral degrees in fields such as education, clinical psychology, geography, guidance and psychological services, life sciences, and technology management. There are various concentrations within many of these programs.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Indiana State University.
Some of the more unique majors offered at Indiana State include packaging technology, criminology, athletic training, human resource development, and construction technology. The Criminology program offers a choice of a 2-year or 4-year degree, and a graduate program. Areas of focus include corrections, law enforcement, security, and delinquency prevention. Internships are also available. The Department of Aerospace Technology prepares students for a career in aviation. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation Flight Technology, Aerospace Administration, and an Associate Degree in General Aviation Flight Technology.
Indiana State University
Admissions
Applicants for undergraduate admissions are expected to have graduated in the top 40 percent of their high school class. Applicants who do not meet that initial requirement are evaluated separately and on an individual basis. Consideration is given to SAT or ACT test scores, as well as the student’s high school curriculum and grades earned in specific subjects. ISU also considers employment experience if the applicant did not enter college immediately following high school.
Indiana State offers the Academic Opportunity Program through the Student Academic Services Center for those applicants who may not meet the admissions requirements cited above but still demonstrate some sort of potential. The Academic Services Center offers testing, programs for people with disabilities, academic advisement, and mentoring for at-risk students. There are also other programs available to incoming freshmen that make the transition to college life a little less confusing, including First-Year Seminars and Learning Communities that are tailored to address students’ particular academic interests.
Financial Aid & Student Loans at Indiana State University
Each year Indiana State awards more than $2 million in merit-based scholarships, ranging from awards of $1,100 to full-tuition awards. The Financial Aid office also coordinates acquisition of student, parent, and private loans, as well as consolidation loans. As a third option, students seeking financial aid have the opportunity to work part-time on campus and in the local community.
Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through July 1 for the fall semester with an application fee of $25. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide test scores and transcripts. Indiana students who are not in the top 40% of their high school class or who have not met the state’s core curriculum requirements will be reviewed carefully. Applications can be submitted on-line.
Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: application, fee, and transcripts. Applicants to doctoral program must also a statement of intent, GRE scores, a vita, and 5 letters of recommendation. Additionally, departments may require other specific materials. A graduate application has an application fee of $35.
Financial Aid
In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $3227 per semester in 2004-2005 for a course load of more than 18 credits Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.
Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Indiana State University 3083rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Indiana scholarships and financial aid
Freshmen must reside in one of the campus’ residence halls unless they live with their parents, are married, or have a valid excuse. Students who have already lived in a residence hall for two years are exempt from this requirement. There are ten different residence halls on campus, as well as university apartments. For Greeks, there are some residences available to them. ISU offers more than 125 student organizations, student government, residence hall groups, and media such as newspapers, radio, and magazines.
In addition to the numerous classroom, dormitory, and administration buildings, Indiana State University has a theater, a center for fine and performing arts, and various athletic facilities.
The Indiana State University Library offers electronic catalogs, interlibrary loan, and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. It has thirteen special collections, including rare books, collections pertaining to Indiana, and other manuscripts and materials.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Indiana State University?
The ISU Sycamores compete in Missouri Valley Conference and the Gateway Conference (football) of the NCAA. The colors are royal blue and white. Intercollegiate sports include baseball, football, softball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, track, and tennis. Athletic facilities include Hulman Center (basketball), Indiana State University Arena (volleyball), the Duane Klueh Tennis Complex, and the Eleanor Forsythe St. John Softball Complex. Most recently the ISU tennis teams had outstanding performances as the men’s team went undefeated, and both tennis coaches were recognized in their conference as Coach of the Year. Indiana State prides itself on the quality of its student athletes. Indiana State student athletes have been recognized with the Missouri Valley Conference Academic Excellence Award for highest GPA, and in the last year 8 different ISU teams were ranked nationally for academic success.
Indiana State University is an NCAA Division I school, with baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, tennis, track & field for men and basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball for women. The team nickname is the Sycamores. There is also a cheer team.
Indiana State University
Traditions
Indiana State has had the same school colors—blue and white—since 1899. The University’s traditional symbols are the book and the torch, and are celebrated in a traditional ceremony that confirms seniors’ desire to become active alumni. Each year on Donaghy Day, named after a respected alum, students gather to plant trees and help beautify the ISU campus.
Local Community
Terre Haute is a major source of manufacturing, employment, service, and shopping for the western area of Indiana. The city serves over 500,000 residents. The city sits next to the famous Wabash River. Attractions include the Children’s Science and Technology Museum, Dobbs Park Nature Center, Hook Observatory, Native American Museum, and an array of historical museums.
The town of Terre Haute is a located in West-Central Indiana on the banks of the Wabash River. The town is home to a planetarium, a children’s science and technology program, several theaters, art museums, other museums, and a symphony. There are several parks, public golf courses, and a nature center.
Campus Crime Statistics
Ranks 6th in Indiana and
489th overall
on StateUniversity.com‘s Safe School Index
I am a Malaysian from the state of Sabah.I was in ISU from Spring 84 to spring 87 when I graduated with B.Sc in Urban Studies. I still remember most of my lecturer, Dr. Larson of Urban Studies, Dr. Siddiqi and Dr. Venu who taught Geograpy, Dr. Rathee who taught sociology and Dr. Isisaka who taught Health and Safety. I had a wonderful four years in terre haute, I can still recall my house at 823 swan street near the Theta Chi fraternity house. I wonder if Stop & Go is still there near the AT&T building. Thanks ISU, im a senior govt servant now.Wonderful University.... keep up the good work.
almost 3 years agoPastor D pastor ((at)) zionfriedheim dot org
Our son will graduate in May of 2009 with a double major in Criminology and Psychology. He will be working on his masters in the fall of 2009 and hopes to graduate in 2010. He has had a wonderful experience at ISU and we are proud of all he has done. For any family looking at a small to medium in-state school I would by all means have you seriously consider Indiana State. The cost is very reasonable and the education he has received will serve him well. We have found that at Indiana State it is "more from day one" Go Sycamores!
almost 3 years agoRobert L. Buttrey, Sr. sasoldier ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
A good rundown On I State.I graduated with a BS ed. class of 1952 I see lots of changes both in the campus-it was small then, and in the academic offerings. Not sure I could find my way around now. I met my future wife there too (Florence Denham) so I can thank the school for that.
FIGHT ON YOU FIGHTING SYCAMORES!
about 3 years agoD.D TVO TVO25 ((at)) AOL dot COM
12/23/08
WOW! WHAT AN EXPERIACE I HAVE @ ISU WHEN I ATTENDED IN 1994 @ AGE 45. I COULD WRITE A BOOK ON ISU.. WOW!
ddt
about 4 years agostan cobb stancobb5000 ((at)) yahoo dot com
ISU IS AN EXCELLENT UNIV, WISH WE COULD GET MORE OF THE OLD HEADS FIRED-UP ABOUT DOING MORE FOR THE SCHOOL.
MAY-BE SPEND A LITTLE MONEY AND START TRACKING FOLKS DOWN.
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redskinscally ((at)) gmail dot com
I am a Malaysian from the state of Sabah.I was in ISU from Spring 84 to spring 87 when I graduated with B.Sc in Urban Studies. I still remember most of my lecturer, Dr. Larson of Urban Studies, Dr. Siddiqi and Dr. Venu who taught Geograpy, Dr. Rathee who taught sociology and Dr. Isisaka who taught Health and Safety. I had a wonderful four years in terre haute, I can still recall my house at 823 swan street near the Theta Chi fraternity house. I wonder if Stop & Go is still there near the AT&T building. Thanks ISU, im a senior govt servant now.Wonderful University.... keep up the good work.