Eastern Illinois University Admissions

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Graduation Rate & More

Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University. Caitlinator / Flickr
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated September 22, 2017

Eastern Illinois University Admissions Overview:

Since Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 47%, it is a somewhat selective school. To apply, interested students will need to submit a completed application form online, high school transcripts, and scores from the SAT or ACT. Additional materials include letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Campus visits are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Be sure to check out the school's website for more information, including contact information for the admissions office.

Admissions Data (2016):

Eastern Illinois University Description:

Founded in 1895, Eastern Illinois University occupies a 320-acre campus in Charleston, Illinois. EIU consistently ranks well among Midwestern public universities. Undergraduates can choose from 47 Bachelor's degree options; programs in communications and education are particularly popular. The university has a 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Textbook costs are about the lowest anywhere because of EIU's textbook rental program. Student life is active with over 230 organizations as well as 29 fraternities and sororities. In athletics, the Eastern Illinois Panthers compete in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference for most sports.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 7,415 (5,957 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 39% Male / 61% Female
  • 86% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $11,580 (in-state); $13,740 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $150
  • Room and Board: $9,546
  • Other Expenses: $2,067
  • Total Cost: $23,343 (in-state); $25,503 (out-of-state)

Eastern Illinois University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 95%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 94%
    • Loans: 70%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $7,504
    • Loans: $7,163

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Communication Studies, Elementary Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, General Studies, Kinesiology and Sports Studies, Psychology

Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 71%
  • Transfer Out Rate: 31%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 34%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 57%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Football, Swimming, Tennis, Cross Country, Basketball, Golf, Baseball, Track and Field, Soccer
  • Women's Sports: Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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