EIU vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

EIU vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU or Union Commonwealth 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 Eastern Illinois University than Union Commonwealth University ($13,787 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 32.7% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($8,261 vs. $12,282).
• Union Commonwealth University is 126.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $17,267 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.8% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $14,729 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Eastern Illinois University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 108% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($26,961 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 20 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUnion Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• EIU has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

EIU vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $350 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($23,650 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($244 vs. $248).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 42%)

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.