Illinois State University highlights gains in student success and national rankings

Illinois State University is building on recent momentum in student success and national recognition, President Aondover Tarhule said during his 2026 State of the University Address Thursday.

Tarhule highlighted increases in student retention and graduation rates, as well as recent gains in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, as evidence of the University's progress and the impact of its continued focus on student success and academic excellence.

"Every student who chooses Illinois State deserves a clear path to success, from enrollment to graduation," Dr. Tarhule said. "Our progress reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and our shared commitment to helping students thrive at Illinois State and leave prepared to build successful careers, continue their education and make a meaningful impact."

Since last year, Illinois State's six-year graduation rate has increased by 2.8 percentage points to 67.3%. The University is pursuing a number of initiatives designed to sustain that progress, including the Gateway Course Redesign Initiative, the Academic Program Success Academy and a partnership with the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University. Illinois State also continues to bring together leaders from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs through The CollabLab to strengthen coordinated approaches to student success.

"We are pleased to see measurable progress in the outcomes that matter most to our students," Tarhule said. "At the same time, we know there is more work to do. Our focus remains on removing barriers, strengthening support systems and ensuring that students have the support they need throughout their Illinois State experience."

Illinois State also gained ground in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, released this week. The University moved up six positions in the Top Public Schools rankings and three positions in the Best National Universities category.

Tarhule identified visibility, reputation and national prestige as one of five leadership priorities for the coming year, alongside student success; academic excellence and relevance; a culture of innovation and agility; and AI readiness.

"As a national research university, Illinois State has both an opportunity and a responsibility to strengthen partnerships that advance workforce and economic development, educational opportunity, healthcare, public service, cultural enrichment and community well-being," Tarhule said. "The recognition we are receiving nationally reflects the work of our students, faculty and staff and the difference they are making here and far beyond our campus."

The University's recent momentum extends across academics, research, philanthropy and campus investment. During the past year, Illinois State awarded 5,594 degrees, including 4,775 bachelor's, 737 master's and 82 doctoral degrees. The University also received more than $52 million in gifts and commitments, while more than $373 million has been invested in campus construction projects over the past three years.

Tarhule's address, titled "Building the Future: Our Moment, Our Opportunity," outlined how Illinois State will build on that progress while responding to the demographic, economic and technological changes affecting higher education.

"This is our moment and our opportunity to build our future," Tarhule said. "We can choose pride without complacency, urgency without panic, candor without cynicism, and ambition without losing our compassion. The future of Illinois State is ours to build."