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Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Town · 4,188 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$12,786
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
46%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
54% typical
$51,989
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,177 typical
65%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
82% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Eastern Illinois University in Charleston is a mid-sized public institution best known for its historic excellence in teacher education and strong programs in business, the health sciences, and biological sciences. The university provides an engaging, student-centered learning environment where undergraduates benefit from faculty-mentored research and small classes taught directly by dedicated professors rather than teaching assistants. Campus life is close-knit and spirited, offering classic midwestern collegiate charm alongside NCAA Division I athletics in the Ohio Valley Conference and over 150 student organizations. Setting EIU apart is its long-standing, cost-saving Textbook Rental Service, which drastically reduces the cost of attendance and underscores the university’s commitment to accessible, high-value education.

Wikipedia:Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, Illinois, United States. Established in 1895, EIU awards bachelor's and master's degrees in programs organized into four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education, and Health & Human Services.

Location
Charleston, IL, 61920 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
IND · Indianapolis
101 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$13,679$16,217
Housing & food (on campus)$12,282$12,282
Books & supplies$150$150
Cost of attendance$26,996$29,534 est.
Average net price$12,786Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$16,217
In-state: $13,679
Housing & food (on campus)$12,282
Books & supplies$150
Cost of attendance$29,534 est.
In-state: $26,996
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $12,786
est. = the in-state cost of attendance with out-of-state tuition swapped in; no out-of-state figure is published.
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$9,828
$30–48k
$8,619
$48–75k
$11,412
$75–110k
$15,665
$110k+
$21,027
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
46%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
27%
Back for yr 2
72%
Transferred
30%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
52% graduated · 35% transferred · 13% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$42,694
10 yrs after entry$51,989
Debt
Median at graduation$21,500
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$8.3k–$27k
90th percentile$35,000
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
65%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1000
R 460–560 · M 420–530
ACT midpoint
20
SAT middle 50%: 880–1090
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Eastern Illinois University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 40%Women 60%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
14 : 1
Pell grant
29%
First-gen
34%
Family income
$39,153
Independent
18%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
11%
Race & ethnicity
White
57%
Hispanic
10%
Black
18%
Asian
1%
Two or more
3%
Non-resident
3%
Unknown
7%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Beach Volleyball
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$42,694
After 10 yrs
$51,989
Psychology, General105
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods88
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities87
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness73
Biology, General54
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing49
Criminal Justice and Corrections45
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other42
Fine and Studio Arts38
Communication and Media Studies33
English Language and Literature, General33
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods31
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication30
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas30
Marketing28
Finance and Financial Management Services27
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$73M
Full-time faculty
77%
Faculty salary
$9,482/mo
Teaching spend
$10,847
per student
Federal loans
31%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (larger programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Eastern Illinois University is the right fit for you?

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