EIU vs. Principia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Principia College in Elsah, Illinois on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Principia College is in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Principia College 6:1.

EIU vs. Principia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU or Principia College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Illinois University than Principia College ($13,787 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 11.7% lower than at Principia College ($12,282 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 153.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $21,001 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.8% higher at Principia College than at Eastern Illinois University (about $18,463 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Principia College (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 134.6% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($30,402 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Principia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or Principia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Principia College and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 160 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Principia College 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPrincipia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Principia College - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Principia College (3.34).

EIU vs. Principia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and Principia College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.