VSU vs. EIU

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than EIU based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 8,505 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Eastern Illinois University is in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Eastern Illinois University 14:1.

VSU vs. EIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or EIU? 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 Valdosta State University than EIU ($11,144 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 22.4% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($9,530 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 123.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $7,555 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at VSU than at Eastern Illinois University (about $1,619 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Valdosta State University (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 27% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($12,960 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. EIU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or EIU? 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 EIU and VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Eastern Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; EIU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 9.8% at EIU.

VSU vs. EIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and EIU? 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 Valdosta State University's (43%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($23,650 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($244 vs. $258).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 41%)

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.