EIU vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than EIU based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 8,505 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

EIU vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU or Southern Illinois University? 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than EIU ($13,473 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 0.5% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($12,282 vs. $12,341).
• Eastern Illinois University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $345 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.6% higher at EIU than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $2,883 more per year; $16,217.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University as at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 5% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($13,610 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or Southern Illinois University? 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 Southern Illinois University and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 40 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

EIU vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and Southern Illinois University? 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,150 lower median loan debt than EIU graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,650).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EIU graduates ($232 vs. $244).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 51%)

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.