Higher Education
Growing the Leaders of the Future
Serving more than 28,000 students from around the world, the Bloomington-Normal area has been a hub for higher education since the 1850s. Thousands of careers have begun here thanks to acclaimed academic programs that send the best and brightest minds into the world, ready to embrace their roles as tomorrow’s leaders. The campuses around the BN area are far more than just centers of learning, however, providing vast green spaces and injecting vibrancy and diversity into surrounding neighborhoods. In preparing students to enter the professional world, these institutions elevate the quality of life for both students and residents.
Illinois State University
Founded in 1857, Illinois State University (ISU) in Normal is one of the Midwest’s oldest institutions of higher learning. Known for its strong academic programs, ISU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across numerous fields, including education, business, arts, and sciences. The university is home to more than 20,000 students, fostering a diverse campus life through numerous organizations and activities. ISU prides itself on its commitment to individualized attention, excellence in teaching, and community engagement. Its beautiful campus and distinguished faculty make it a leader in higher education in the Midwest.
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), founded in 1850, is a distinguished private liberal arts institution located in Bloomington. The university offers a diverse range of more than 100 majors, minors, and programs — including pre-professional tracks — with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and personalized student success. Notably, IWU houses the College of Fine Arts, which includes the Schools of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts, as well as the School of Nursing, known for its competitive and comprehensive nursing program. The campus is known for its vibrant student life, featuring more than 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural groups. The picturesque campus includes historic buildings, modern facilities, and lush green spaces.
Heartland Community College
Heartland Community College, located in Normal, is a dynamic center for learning that serves students from across the region. Known for its accessible programs and high-quality instruction, Heartland offers pathways in fields like health sciences, business, and technology, as well as transfer programs to four-year institutions. Its scenic campus includes state-of-the-art facilities like the Astroth Community Education Center and a sustainable prairie landscape, providing an inspiring environment for learning and community events. Heartland also emphasizes community engagement, offering workforce training, cultural events, and lifelong learning opportunities that enrich the Bloomington-Normal area.
