Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Charleston, Illinois |
| Online | eiu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Eastern Illinois University occupies a 320-acre main campus in Charleston, Illinois, situated approximately 50 miles south of Champaign and 180 miles south of Chicago. The public university, established in 1895 as a teachers' college, features a mix of Gothic and contemporary architecture, with the landmark Old Main castle serving as its administrative center. EIU maintains a focus on undergraduate education, particularly in teacher preparation, business, health sciences, and arts and humanities, while also offering select graduate programs. The university operates as a primarily residential campus with multiple residence halls and on-campus apartment complexes, serving students from throughout Illinois and neighboring states. As a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, EIU competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with its Panthers teams particularly known for their track and field program.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
EIU is rated within the lower 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Eastern Illinois University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#714 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#246 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#34 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Illinois
#53 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 890/1110 |
| GPA | 3.39 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Illinois Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $150 |
| Other Fees | $3,500 |
| Room and Board | $11,298 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,768 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,619 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $150 |
| Other Fees | $3,500 |
| Room and Board | $11,298 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,768 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,095 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 21% |
| Business | 14% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering EIU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144892 IPEDS survey data for Eastern Illinois University.
Current students may use the Eastern Illinois University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025