Indiana State University Campus Life: A Comprehensive Overview

Indiana State University (ISU), located in Terre Haute, Indiana, offers a vibrant campus life designed to support students' academic, personal, and professional growth. With a focus on creating a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment, ISU provides numerous opportunities for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Residential Life and Housing Options

On-Campus Housing

Indiana State University’s Residential Life Office provides various on-campus housing options to suit diverse student needs and preferences. All first-year students are generally required to live on campus, fostering a sense of community and facilitating integration into university life. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted under certain circumstances.

Returning students have several choices, including buildings specifically designated for them like Erickson and Reeve Halls. These halls offer unique living experiences and the option to select specific meal plans tailored to upperclassmen.

Living-Learning Communities

One of the distinctive features of ISU's campus life is the Living-Learning Communities (LLCs). These communities allow students with shared academic majors or interests to live together, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. By living amongst peers with similar passions, students can enhance their learning experience and build lasting connections.

Housing Contracts and Selection

Securing on-campus housing involves a contract system. Housing contracts for the following year typically open in November, allowing students ample time to consider their options. Signing a housing contract is a legally binding commitment for the academic year, so students should carefully evaluate their decision.

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The housing selection process includes options like the 500 Wabash Full Group Process for 4- and 3-bedroom apartments, where groups of roommates can register their interest. Following this, an open room selection process allows students to choose from remaining spaces across campus, including various apartment sizes and traditional double rooms.

Available Housing Options

500 Wabash: Offers 4-bedroom apartments, with limited availability of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments.
University Apartments Units 1-3: Provides 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments.
University Apartments Unit 4: Designated for students aged 21 and over.
Erickson Hall: Features double rooms with pod-style bathrooms.
Sandison Hall: Offers double rooms with private bathrooms.
Reeve Hall: Includes singles and doubles, with sorority room selection for affiliated students.
Rhoads Hall: Provides limited double rooms with pod-style bathrooms.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Indiana State University is committed to providing accessible housing for students with disabilities. Students requiring ADA or Emotional Support Animal accommodations should renew their requests with the Accessibility Resources Office. The Residential Life team collaborates with the Accessibility Resources Office to ensure that students receive appropriate and supportive housing arrangements. Medical housing accommodation requests for the fall semester are due by April 15 for best consideration.

Dining Options and Meal Plans

Residential Meal Plans

To meet students’ diverse dining needs, Indiana State offers several residential meal plans. Students residing in residence halls are generally required to have a residential meal plan. Those in designated returning student buildings like Erickson and Reeve can select their building’s meal plan or other residential options.

Board Meals and Commons Cash

Meal plans typically include Board Meals, which are a set number of meal swipes that reset weekly. Students should consider their eating habits when selecting a meal plan to ensure it aligns with their needs. Commons Cash is another component, functioning as currency for on-campus dining locations. With a dollar-for-dollar value, Commons Cash can be used instead of cash or debit/credit cards.

Campus Activities and Organizations

Student Clubs and Organizations

Indiana State University boasts a vibrant campus community with over 160 student clubs and organizations. These encompass a wide range of interests, including honor societies, student government, service organizations, and intramural and recreational sports. These organizations provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in activities outside the classroom.

The Forest

Joining The Forest, the official student section for Indiana State University Athletics, offers numerous benefits. Members receive early admission to games with priority seating, free Forest gear, and other perks, fostering a strong sense of school spirit and community.

Recreational Facilities

The Student Recreation Center provides students with various opportunities to stay active and healthy. Facilities include basketball courts, swimming pools, and workout areas, promoting physical well-being and offering a space for students to unwind.

Experiential Learning and the Indiana State Advantage

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Indiana State University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, service trips, undergraduate research, creative activities, and study-abroad experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning and enhance students' career prospects.

The Indiana State Advantage

To support experiential learning, Indiana State offers the Indiana State Advantage, a one-time Experience Grant valued up to $3,000. This grant helps students pursue life-changing opportunities that complement their academic studies and prepare them for future success.

Diversity and Inclusion

Resource Centers

Indiana State University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Several resource centers support students from various backgrounds, including the Women’s Resource Center, the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center, the LGBTQ+ Student Resource Center, and the La Casita Student Resource Center. These centers provide resources, programming, and support to promote equity and inclusion.

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Safety and Security

Campus Safety Measures

Indiana State University prioritizes the safety and security of its students. Security measures include 24-hour security patrols, campus emergency phones, 24-hour escort safety rides, and a mobile campus emergency alert system. These measures ensure a safe and secure living and learning environment for all students.

Academics and Faculty

Academic Programs

ISU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and offers over 70 degree-granting programs entirely online. The university is known nationally for the quality of its undergraduate and graduate programs, including those in business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, psychology, insurance and risk management, nursing, aviation, and computer science.

Faculty Engagement

Small class sizes at Indiana State facilitate close interactions between students and faculty. Professors get to know their students and provide individualized attention and feedback, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. A significant portion of the faculty, 64%, hold a terminal degree in their field.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Tuition and Costs

In-state tuition at Indiana State is $9,992, while out-of-state tuition is $21,734. Additional costs include room and board, which averages $11,483, and books and supplies, estimated at $1200.

Financial Aid and Grants

Indiana State University provides substantial financial aid to its students. The university offers a range of scholarships and grants, including need-based and non-need-based options. The total amount of need-based scholarships/grants is $17,690,228, while the total amount of non-need-based scholarships/grants is $26,780,971. The average net price, which takes into account financial aid, is $12,903.

Student Loans

For students who require loans, the average federal loan amount per year is $4,762.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Indiana State University has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted throughout the year. Required application materials include a transcript. While SAT and ACT scores are not mandatory, SAT subject tests may be considered. AP course credit and dual enrollment credits are accepted. The application fee is $25, and fee waivers are available.

Post-Graduation Outcomes

Alumni Network

Indiana State University has a strong alumni network of over 100,000 individuals working in various industries across the globe. This network provides valuable connections and opportunities for graduates.

Career Support

Employers value Indiana State graduates, and the university provides career counseling and mentorship to support students' professional development.

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