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Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL·Public·4,398 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,398 students.

68%
Accept
4,398
Students
$14,093
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$46,000
Earnings
10 yr
$15,722
Debt

About This School

Eastern Illinois University is a public institution located in Charleston, Illinois with approximately 4,398 undergraduate students enrolled. Eastern Illinois University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,093 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $46,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive public university in Charleston, Illinois, United States. Established in 1895, EIU offers a broad range of curricula leading to bachelor's and master's degrees within its four Colleges.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $14,093 average net price is genuinely affordable, and a median debt of $15,722 at graduation is lower than many schools, which is a real advantage. However, the 45% graduation rate is a significant concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish, which is worth taking seriously when evaluating fit and support resources. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but ask hard questions about what's driving that low completion rate before committing.

Founded
1895
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Education13%
Business & Marketing12%
Psychology9%
Communications9%
Health Professions8%
Biological Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John MalkovichJoan AllenBurl IvesMatt HughesHenry DomercantKimberly CheatleWilliam Edward PhippsJim EdgarDan SteeleKevin DuckworthAlfonzo McKinnieCalli Cox

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1010
Reading 75th %ile570
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$13,403
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,879
Avg Net Price
$14,093
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$15,722

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,722
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,722
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,398 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Eastern Illinois University

600 Lincoln Avenue

Charleston, IL 61920

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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