ISU expands academic horizon with new College of Engineering opening in 2026

Image courtesy of Illinois State University

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University is broadening its academic opportunities with the launch of a new College of Engineering, set to open in the fall of 2026. 

Branden Delk, Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Student Success, discussed the upcoming program and new facility, highlighting student opportunities and the different engineering fields available.

“In 2020, we officially had a consulting firm and were working with a committee of faculty and staff and facilities, trying to determine what would be the best programs to first launch.” said Delk. “All of that basically developed plans to present to the academic senate and get Board of Trustee approval so that we can move forward getting approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.” 

First discussed in 2016 and officially approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2022, the College of Engineering has been years in the making as faculty carefully shaped the programs it will offer.

Delk adds that a new engineering building will serve as the hub for classes, student connections, and involvement in RSO’s. Construction is expected to be completed by May 2026, just in time to welcome the first students that fall.

“The university purchased one of Country Financials’ buildings off General Eelectric Road, and it’s currently in phase one of construction to renovate, so we can accommodate up to 600 engineering students, and then eventually we’ll be able to accommodate more than a thousand,” said Delk.

Students will be able to choose from three engineering majors: mechanical, electrical, and general engineering. Projections show that about 60% of future students will pursue mechanical engineering, 22% electrical engineering, and 20% general engineering.

Delk also noted that future students will have opportunities to join a variety of RSO’s and help establish national engineering chapters at ISU.

“We’re looking to launch Aero Birds Clubs, like an aerospace type of club, Motor Birds which is focused on building a car…those are the most popular ones so far,” said Delk. “Also, having ISU chapters for some national organizations.”

The engineering building will be available to students in fall of 2026.