Eastern Illinois University
About Eastern Illinois University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, Illinois. It offers affordable education with strong programs in education, business, and the sciences in a small-town setting.
Founded
1895
Location
Charleston, Illinois
Students
5,908
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
65.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
47.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$13,679
Out-of-state: $16,217
Avg Net Price
$12,786
After financial aid
SAT Average
1000
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,989
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
65.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Eastern Illinois University accepts 65.4% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1000/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Average: 20 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.7%
4-Year Grad
35%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77.1%
$/Student
$10.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 35% graduation rate is below average, but 71.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,679
In-State
$16,217
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,282
Books & Supplies
$150
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,996
After Financial Aid
$12,786
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,828
Receive Grants
29.4%
Take Loans
31.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $26,996/yr, including $12,282 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,786.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Eastern Illinois University fund their education.
While in School
29.4%
Get Grants
Free money
31.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$39,153
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Eastern Illinois University.
Gender
60.2%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,188
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,720
Graduates
34.2%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
9.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 34.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
4,188
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Eastern Illinois University fields 11 varsity teams with 600 student athletes, about 14% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ohio Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
600
14% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
384
Men
216
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Eastern Illinois Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,989
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$36K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$42K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$40K
87 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$35K
73 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
—
49 grads
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Eastern Illinois University
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Illinois University?▾
How much does Eastern Illinois University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Eastern Illinois University?▾
How much do Eastern Illinois University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.