Eastern Illinois University
EIU
Charleston, Illinois 61920
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Excellent value
Eastern Illinois University is a public institution in Charleston with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1010, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.4K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
45% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,989 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,093.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1957, the Illinois General Assembly changed the name of the institution to Eastern Illinois University.
- •When classes began in 1899 there were 125 students and 18 faculty members; the first campus building was Old Main.
- •Additional architectural points of interest on EIU's campus include the Gothic Revival Booth Library, Pemberton Hall, and Blair Hall; Blair was restored after a fire in 2004.
- •The Doudna Fine Arts Center (completed 2008) is a centerpiece of Eastern's campus.
- •Inglis (appointed in 1898 but died before officially assuming office) Livingston C.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1010
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,722
Programs (98)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
70%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
30
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average