Overview
Eastern Illinois University was founded in 1895 as Eastern Illinois State Normal School, established to train teachers for the region's growing public school system. Over the decades it evolved into a comprehensive public university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs while maintaining its historic strength in education and teacher preparation. EIU is recognized for its small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and affordability relative to larger state institutions in Illinois.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Charleston, Illinois |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Total students | 6,800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Graduation rate | 50% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $12,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,000 |
| Room & board | $11,000 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 930-1140 |
| ACT range | 17-23 |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Elementary Education
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Biological Sciences
- Nursing
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.