Indiana State University (ISU)

Many students, particularly athletes and musicians, pick ISU because it’s “financially affordable.” However, when they get there, students find plenty more to love, whether it’s the fact that “ISU is small and the professors really care”, the way it fosters “substantive knowledge and practical experience” in its students’ education, or its “emphasis on academics and school pride.” Within students’ concentrations, the “major specific professors are wonderful” and students find that “professors don't just lecture, they provide students with hands-on opportunities” and “individualized personal instruction.” “We do a lot of field work here, sometimes more than homework.” Whether you’re a scientist or an artist, “ISU suits the needs of every type of learner”, and “diversity and making connections” rank high among students’ reasons to be satisfied with their education. In addition to its nationally recognized music program, ISU maintains standout programs in English, Psychology, Technology, Education, and Aviation, among others. Students receive “access to professors” and a “strong support system”, and with ISU’s “high GPA and academic requirements”, they feel the university does “everything they can to help you suceed.”

In concert with the unpretentious Midwestern setting, ISU undergraduates are “down to earth and accepting of everyone”, as well as “motivated and eager to learn.” Students relay with some pride that they are “constantly studying” and “wanting to receive an education for their career path.” They respect the school’s “diversity”—one student stated a primary reason for attending as “Has black people”—and extol the university’s “giant melting pot” as well as how “very culturally aware” it is. As a result, the student population is comprised both of “first generation college students” as well as students of “all different backgrounds.” “Everyone is welcome here,” many students underscore, so “you never feel like you don't fit anywhere.”

ISU social life seems mostly contained on campus, and students are devoted to maintaining their “grades and homework” and “think about how they are going to succeed.” “The bar scene is pretty good” in surrounding Terre Haute, and on campus, “it’s so easy to make friends here” and “those that get involved in clubs or sports enjoy the university more.” “Greek life is very apparent at ISU”, with nine sororities and twelve fraternities, and “unless you Go Greek there isn't a whole lot to do here.” One student jokes that party seekers over “21 go to the bars”, while “students under 21 go to frats.” Many Indiana locals “go home over the weekends”, while others stick around to “go shopping for fun or just hang out with friends.” Residents report that they “love living here on campus” and that they “like to go to sporting events at the Hulman Center and concerts at The Venue.”