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Eastern Illinois University

9.5(1)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1895
Founded
1895
Type
Public
University Guide

About Eastern Illinois University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Eastern Illinois University is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 68%. It is a prestigious public university located in Charleston, Illinois, known for its academic excellence, personalised learning environment, and commitment to student success. This University offers 50 undergraduate majors and 30 graduate programs for domestic and international students. Popular programs at Eastern Illinois University include business, engineering, health services, management and Nursing. About 4-6% of the total undergraduate and graduate student population comes from 60 countries.

The Undergraduate students require a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, which is 70% aggregate, whereas for a graduate applicant, a minimum GPA of 2.75, which is 75%, is generally required. The applications for Eastern Illinois University admissions are accepted in the Fall and Spring terms. English proficiency requirements are mandatory for Indian students with a minimum score, including TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or DET 105. The annual tuition fee at this University ranges from $26,000–$31,000 per year (₹21–₹25 lakhs INR), depending on the different programs and levels. Eastern Illinois University has additional expenses for housing, which range from$13,020 per year, depending on the residence hall and meal plan selected. Eastern Illinois University boasts a strong employment rate, with 87% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within months later and average salaries reaching $48,000 to $65,000 annually.
 

Table of Contents
  1. Highlights
  2. Eastern Illinois University Rankings
  3. Eastern Illinois University Programs and Fees

    3.1 Eastern Illinois University Top Master's Programs and Fees

    3.2 Eastern Illinois University Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees

  4. Eastern Illinois University International Admissions

    4.1 Eastern Illinois University MBA Admissions

    4.2 Eastern Illinois University Graduate Admission Requirements

    4.3 Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

    4.4 Eastern Illinois University Cost of Living

  5. Eastern Illinois University Scholarships for International Students
  6. FAQS


Highlights

Category Specifications
University Type and Establishment A public university established in 1895
Number of Campuses 1 main campus
Campus Location Charleston, Illinois, United States
Campus Area 320 acres
Total Student Enrollment 8,500 students, including UG and PG
International Student percentage 4–6%
Country represented 50
Acceptance Rate 68%
Average Package Average salary of $45,000 – $60,000 after graduation
Official Website https://www.eiu.edu/


Eastern Illinois University Rankings

According to data from U.S. News & World Report, Eastern Illinois University has garnered national and regional recognition for its strong academic programs, affordability, and dedication to student success. It is particularly well-regarded for programs in education, business, psychology, communication studies, and biological sciences. The table demonstrates the university ranking progression throughout the year.

Ranking type 2025 2024
U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest #48 #54
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings #1201–1500 #1201–1500


Eastern Illinois University Programs and Fees

Eastern Illinois University offers 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs for domestic as well as international students. Tuition fees for a bachelor's program at Eastern Illinois University are $ 26,000 – $31,000 per year (₹21,000,000 – ₹25,000,000 INR). Master's tuition fees are typically $28,000 – $35,000 (₹23,000,000 – ₹29,000,000 INR). The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University for international students, as well as domestic students:


Eastern Illinois University Top Master's Programs and Fees

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
MS in Technology 2 years $23,000 ₹19,10,000
MS in Biological Sciences 2 years $23,000 ₹19,10,000
MS in Cybersecurity 2 years $24,000 ₹20,00,000
MS in Biostatistics 2 years $22,500 ₹18,75,000
MS in Economics 2 years $24,000 ₹20,00,000
MS in Computer Technology 2 years $23,500 ₹19,60,000
MA in Clinical Psychology 2 years $25,000 ₹20,80,000
MA in Communication Studies 2 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000


Eastern Illinois University Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
BS in Computer Science 4 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000
BA in English 4 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000
BA in Psychology 4 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000
BS in Criminal Justice 4 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000
BS in nursing 4 years $23,000 ₹19,10,000
BS in Mechanical Engineering 4 years $23,000 ₹19,10,000
BA in Economics 4 years $22,000 ₹19,60,000
BS in Civil Engineering 4 years $23,000 ₹19,60,000
BA in Music 4 years $22,000 ₹18,30,000
BS in Biochemistry 4 years $23,000 ₹19,60,000
BS in Biology 4 years $23,000 ₹19,60,000

Eastern Illinois University International Admissions

Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 68%, which is similar to last year. This indicates that the university is becoming moderately selective and more competitive towards student intake. The eligibility criteria for admission to Eastern Illinois University at various academic levels are as follows:


Eastern Illinois University MBA Admissions

The MBA at Eastern Illinois University is a 12-24-month, full-time program offered by the AACSB-accredited Lumpkin College of Business and Technology, ensuring global standards in business education. With flexible learning options, including in-person and online classes. Various specialisations provided by this university include finance, international business, marketing, and supply chain management.

You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a preferred undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate. The intake of students happens for the fall and spring seasons. For international students, admissions are highly competitive.

Application Portal: EIU Graduate School Application Portal

Application Fee: $30 (₹2,500 INR)

English Proficiency :

  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5

Supportive documents:

  • Official documents and certificates from UG.
  • Current resume with detailed work experience
  • 2 letters of recommendation (LORS)
  • A detailed SOP
  • Personal interview (by invitation)

Eastern Illinois University Graduate Admission Requirements

Indian students can apply directly through the Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Application Portal. After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to upload your documents. The general admission requirements for master's courses at Eastern Illinois University are given below:

Application Portal: Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Application Portal

Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)

Admission requirements:

  • 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate.
  • Official certificates and documents from UG institutions.

Supporting documents :

  • 2 letters of recommendation (LORs)
  • A detailed SOP
  • A detailed Resume

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79

  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 105


Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Eastern Illinois University allows international students to apply for Undergraduate courses through an online mode. The admission requirements for bachelor's programs are as follows:

Application Portal: Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Application Portal

Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)

Admission requirements:

  • Completion of high school.
  • Official high school documents.

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: 61
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 85

Supporting documents :

  • 2 letters of recommendation (LORS)
  • A detailed SOP
  • A detailed Resume


Eastern Illinois University Cost of Living

Full-time tuition fee at Eastern Illinois University for a Bachelor's Program will cost $22,000 (₹18,30,000) INR, whereas for a Master’s Program it will cost $25,000 (₹20,80,000)INR.The additional cost of living with food and housing will be $13,020 (11,15,344 INR)


Eastern Illinois University Scholarships for International Students

For international students looking for financial assistance, they can explore or check out the following scholarships provided by the University:

Scholarship Degree Amount Eligibility Application Deadline
Graduate Assistantships PG Tuition waiver + stipend based on academic merit and departmental needs Varies by department
Departmental/Program Scholarships UG/PG $1,000 – $5,000 Based on program involvement, academic record, and recommendations Varies by department
International Student Scholarship UG/PG $4,000 Based on academic merit, financial need, and student involvement Rolling
Transfer Student Scholarships UG $4,000/year For high-achieving international transfer students Automatic upon admission
EIU Merit-Based Scholarships UG $3,000 – $8,000 Awarded based on GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and overall academic profile Automatic upon admission

Also Read: Eastern Illinois University Campus


Eastern Illinois University offers strong academic programs and a supportive campus at an affordable cost. Tuition ranges from $26,000–$31,000 (₹21–₹25 lakhs) per year, with a moderate annual living cost of around $13,020 (₹10.85 lakhs) for international students. EIU focuses on practical education that helps students build successful careers.


FAQS

Ques: Is Eastern Illinois University a good university?

Ans: EIU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the Midwest and is recognised for its affordability and value, with about 90% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months.
 

Ques: Is Eastern Illinois University Tier 1?

Ans: Eastern Illinois University is not classified as a Tier‑1 (R1) research university. According to the Carnegie Classification, EIU is designated as a Master’s Colleges & Universities Larger Programs. It focuses primarily on undergraduate and master s-level education, without the high research activity needed for R1 or R2 status.
 

Ques: What is Eastern Illinois University famous for?

Ans: Eastern Illinois University is best known for its iconic “Old Main” castle-like building, strong programs in education, business, and journalism, and a legacy of notable alumni, including actor John Malkovich and NFL stars Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo.
 

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

65

Fee from

₹12,30,953.61

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 49 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration3 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 11.9 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 12,688 /Yr
Estimated Total₹42976
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Eastern Illinois University is a respected public research institution located in Charleston, Illinois. Applications are accepted at this university on various terms for the fall and spring semesters for all programs. For undergraduate programs, the deadline is May 15 to submit your application and May 30 to complete your application for the Fall season. For the Spring Season, all application materials must be received by November 2025. The application deadlines vary depending on the program requirements for the Graduate and MBA programs.

The minimum GPA required for graduate admissions is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate. For the undergraduate programs, the minimum GPA required for admission is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, which is 70% aggregate. Applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL: 80 and IELTS: 6.5+. Letters of recommendation, detailed SOP, and sometimes interviews are part of the admissions process at Eastern Illinois University.

Admissions with an overall acceptance rate of 68% for international students. The MBA program, offered by the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology (AACSB-accredited), attracts international students for its flexibility, affordable tuition, and flexible format tailored to meet global business demands. The university enrolls over 8,500 students, including a vibrant global community from more than 50 countries. Once an application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation within a few days. Final decisions are communicated within 2–6 weeks, depending on the program and term.
 


Eastern Illinois University Acceptance Rate

The Acceptance rate for Eastern Illinois University for undergraduate and postgraduate programs is 68%. It shows that both programs' acceptance rates have remained moderately selective, making them highly competitive.


Eastern Illinois University Admission Deadline

The main intake for the Undergraduate, MBA and Graduate programs at Eastern Illinois University is fall and spring intakes for some programs. Here’s a breakdown of deadlines for different programs:

Eastern Illinois University MBA Admission Deadlines

MBA Applications are typically submitted through the EIU Graduate School Application Portal, with key deadlines as follows:

Term Application Deadline Semester State Date
Fall 2025 May 15, 2025 August 25, 2025
Spring 2025 November 1, 2025 January 13, 2026


Eastern Illinois University Postgraduate Admission Deadlines

The main intake for the Eastern Illinois University Postgraduate programs is the fall and Spring of the Year, with additional options for Summer depending on the program. Applications are typically submitted through the Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Application Portal with key deadlines as follows:

Term Final deadline Semester Start Date
Fall 2025 May 15, 2025 August 19, 2025
Spring 2026 November 1, 2025 January 21, 2026


Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Admission Deadlines

Applications are typically submitted through the EIU Application Portal, with key deadlines as follows:

Term Deadline Semester Start Date
Fall 2025 May 15, 2025 August 25, 2025
Spring 2026 November 1, 2025 January 13, 2026


Eastern Illinois University Admission Requirements

Eastern Illinois University offers admission to International students throughout the year by many intakes: Fall and Spring, for limited programs only summer season. The process of taking admission to the university is quite similar for domestic students. International students require proof of English language proficiency. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) required is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate, though some graduate programs may have higher GPA expectations. Below are the program-specific admission requirements :


Eastern Illinois University Postgraduate Admissions

Eastern Illinois University offers over 30+ graduate and doctoral programs to international students in fields like business, computer science, engineering, public health, education, life sciences, and healthcare administration. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:

Category Details
Application Portal Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Application Portal
Application Fee $30 (non-refundable)
Academic Requirement Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
English Proficiency Scores IELTS: 6.5  TOEFL: 79  DET: 105
SOP/LOR

2-3 Letters of Recommendation

A detailed SOP (500–1000 words)

Additional Requirements

Resume/CV

Interview (if required)

Writing Sample (for some programs)


Eastern Illinois University MBA Admissions

Eastern Illinois University offers an MBA course in its AACSB-accredited Lumpkin College of Business and Technology. The university provides Full-time MBA, Online MBA and Part-time MBA. The duration of pursuing a Full-time MBA from the university is 18-24 months. For the part-time/online MBA, it is typically 1.5–3 years, depending on the student's schedule and course load. Popular fields for pursuing an MBA at Eastern Illinois University include finance, international business, marketing, and supply chain management, among others. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:
 

Category Details
Application Portal EIU Graduate School Application Portal
Application Fees $30 (₹2,500 INR)
Degree Requirements Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
English Language Proficiency and test scores TOEFL: 80  IELTS: 6.5
Additional Requirements

2 Letters of recommendation

SOPS

Resume/CV

Interview


Eastern Illinois University MBA Class Profile

The Table Below provides an Overview of the Eastern Illinois University MBA class profile, highlights key statistics and demographics for the class of 2026:

Particulars Details
Average GPA 3.2
Average GMAT Score (optional) 570 (optional)
Average GRE Quant Score 154
Average GRE Verbal Score 152
Average Work Experience 2-4 years
Countries Represented 20+
International Students 20–25%
Asian Students 17% (including Indian, Chinese, Korean, etc.)


Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Admissions

Eastern Illinois University offers over 50 undergraduate courses, including Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Liberal Arts, and Biological Sciences. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:

Category Requirements
Application Portal Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Application Portal
Application Fee $30 (non-refundable)
Academic Requirement Completion of Class XII with a Minimum of 85-90% aggregate.
English Proficiency Test Scores TOEFL: 61 IELTS: 6.0  DET: 85
Admission Requirements

Official high school certificates

Personal SOP

1 letter of recommendation (optional)


Eastern Illinois University Admission Decisions

For International students, after the undergraduate application is complete, expect an admission decision within 2-3 weeks. For the graduation program, processing times may vary by program. After your application is complete and all required documents have been submitted, it is forwarded to the graduate program coordinator for evaluation. The timeline can range from 3-6 weeks, depending on the specific program and time of year. For more information, connect by using an Eastern Illinois University admissions mail ID: [email protected].

For Indian students, Eastern Illinois University offers an affordable and accessible U.S. education. Admission requires a minimum of 70% (UG) or 75% (PG), with English test scores like IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80. At EIU, tuition ranges from ₹21–₹25 lakhs/year, and admission decisions are made within 2–6 weeks. These make EIU a practical choice for career-focused applicants.


FAQs

Ques: Is Eastern Illinois hard to get into?

Ans: Eastern Illinois University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 68%. Admission is accessible for students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and the university is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required if your GPA meets certain criteria.
 

Ques: How much is the international student fee at Eastern Illinois University?

Ans: At Eastern Illinois University, international students are required to pay an additional International Student Fee of $230 per year. This fee supports services provided by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). It is charged on top of regular tuition, general fees, and living expenses.
 

Ques: What support services are available for international students?

Ans: EIU provides Airport pickup services, Orientation for new students, Visa & immigration advising, Academic tutoring and writing centres, Career services and internship support.
 

Placements & Recruiters

Eastern Illinois University Placement Details

Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Charleston, Illinois, United States.

Recruiters
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Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Contact Information

600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920, USA

+1-217-5815000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

9.5/10
Top Rated

Based on 1 rating

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
10.0/10
Faculty
10.0/10
Infrastructure
9.0/10
Accommodation
9.0/10
Placement
9.0/10
Extracurricular
10.0/10