About Eastern Illinois University

Founded in 1895, Eastern Illinois University. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 5,957 full time undergraduate students, and 1,458 full time graduate students.

The Eastern Illinois University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 424 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Eastern Illinois University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate46%
Application Deadline
Application Fee30
SAT Range
ACT Range18-24

Admissions at EIU are considered More Selective, with ,68% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

66% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 31% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Eastern Illinois University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
77%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
23%
“Sometimes, but not often”
51%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
26%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
26%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
66%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
34%
“We bought the gear”
49%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
69%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
86%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
18%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
62%
“We only party on weekends”
21%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
20%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
20%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    143 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    98 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    149 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    148 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    148 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 64 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    148 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    150 Students rated local services 4 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    147 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

Eastern Illinois University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Eastern Illinois University?

44 Students rated Eastern Illinois University

Juan - 11/10/2022

Eastern Illinois is a college that has advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion Eastern is a good college is not one of the best in America, but it is affordable compared to other colleges of the same level. The programs of the university are really good my major is Business and I consider I have learned things that will be useful in my life. The campus is very safe you will never have a problem security-wise, but it is not that big. Overall EIU is a good college it is affordable but is not the best.

alonna - 11/04/2021

Eastern Illinois University is a good school for those who want to be in classrooms with a smaller student to teacher ratio and who want to go to school in Illinois but doesn't have a lot of money. The school isn't bad by any means, I personally like all of the classes I've taken and the people are great, but you definitely are farther away from city life. While the food isn't the best the onion rings in the MLK Union building are phenomenal.

Kamden - 12/02/2020

This is a very good school for someone looking for a medium size campus with a smaller local town. There isn’t much to do for fun but there are more things to do if you’re willing to travel to neighbouring towns. The campus is beautiful and there are always friendly faces. Professors are super understanding and it’s relatively affordable. Overall it is a very nice school.

Hannah - 04/05/2020

I love Eastern Illinois University. I feel at home. I came to college expecting to hate it and to be secluded in my room, but no. I have a lot of new friend, a great on-campus job, a great roommate, the food is pretty good, the staff and teachers care, great RA's, friendly environment, opportunities, and more! It's an amazing school.

Eastern Illinois University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Eastern Illinois University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Eastern Illinois University is 46%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would tell myself to go out and try new school activities, such as the clubs. Clubs are good for your resume and for making new friends. I didn't try out for any of the clubs and now I joined two and I am having so much fun.

    Read all 164 answers

  3. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    I believe this is the wrong question. Everyone should feel welcomed at a university. No one shouldn't attend Eastern Illinois University, because it has so much to offer. This school is diverse in class size, majors, and social groups. It makes students feel comfortable and feel at home. No students should feel as if they do not belong to a school. Specifically, Eastern has so much to offer its students. There are many ways to get involved socially and academically. Professors will also go out of their way to help students learn to the best of their ability.

    Read all 33 answers

  4. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    It has all the reources of a major Division 1 college, but the classes are small enough so professors can help each student individually.

    Read all 30 answers

  5. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I had known that it is acceptable to make new friends and keep the old. My high school friends came to the university with me, so I had no need, in my opinion, to make new friends. Once all my friends had dropped out though, I found what I had been missing out on.

    Read all 27 answers

  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Friendly atmosphere with down home values.

    Read all 26 answers

  7. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I feel like there are not enought activities that minorities would be interested in. More things off campus that the student can get involved in, so that they would not also drink and do crazy things on the weekends.

    Read all 26 answers

  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A student that wants to end up in a good career after s they finish school. Also a person that likes to have fun, not only to go to parties, but to do all the little things that this university has to offer. This university offers a lot of activities that are free, such as movies, tshirts, and all sorts of games.

    Read all 26 answers

  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The best advantage is the class offerings in my local area.

    Read all 24 answers

  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing would be the lack of money given to update the residence halls. Many of the halls are out of date and need repairs. Also parking is a major issue for many.

    Read all 24 answers

  11. Describe the students at your school.

    They are really awesome and definately care for each other.

    Read all 23 answers

  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Small campus.

    Read all 23 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Eastern Illinois University is know for being a good school for education majors. We also have a great Kinesiology and Sports Studies program. The resources for the KSS department are great. We also are well known for having pretty good athletics.

    Read all 21 answers

  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Some common stereotypes of the students at EIU are: -The jocks party all of the time, -The frats party wildly, -The band nerds think they are hot stuff, -The sorority girls are promiscuous, -The upperclassmen do not live on-campus, -The stoners all get away consequence-free. All of these stereotypes are false. The jocks do party at times, but they do value their education. They truly are positive role models on campus. The frats do party a lot, but their main focus is on service. The band members on campus do think they are hot stuff because they are hot stuff! They are some of the most popular students on campus. There are sorority girls that are promiscuous, but most are not. A lot of upperclassmen do live in apartments either owned by the school or really close to the campus. There are a lot of upperclassmen that do enjoy living on campus, like myself. It is so convenient for all students to live on campus because all of the necessities (food, classes) are in close proximity to the dorms. Lastly, the stoners do get consequences. I have read about the citations in the campus newspaper plenty of times!

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

61%

female

39%

male

5,957

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,458

Total Grad Students

10%

Out-Of-State

87%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

260

Student Organizations

15

Fraternities

13

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

48%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
19%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
67%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

95% of students attending Eastern Illinois University receive some sort of financial aid. 49% were awarded federal grants. While 69% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$15,725

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$150

Books and Supplies

$9,546

Room and Board

25,421

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,559
$30 - $48K
$11,695
$48 - $75K
$14,967
$75 - $110K
$19,853
$110K & UP
$20,673

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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