Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, United States • Founded 1895
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1895, the Eastern Illinois University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Charleston (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Illinois.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Eastern Illinois University (EIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 129-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
EIU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with Eastern Illinois University or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Eastern Illinois University's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
How Eastern Illinois University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 7 items
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Business and Applied Sciences
- College of Education and Professional Studies
- College of Sciences
- Graduate School
- Honors College
- School of Continuing Education
Programs Offered
Eastern Illinois University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
99 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 56 programmes
Showing 10 of 56.
Master's Degree 30 programmes
Showing 10 of 30.
Postgraduate Certificate 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
How to apply to Eastern Illinois University
Practical steps to apply to Eastern Illinois University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Eastern Illinois University offers 99 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Eastern Illinois University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Eastern Illinois University's online portal at www.eiu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (217) 581 5000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Illinois University
Common questions about Eastern Illinois University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When did Eastern Illinois University open?
Eastern Illinois University traces its founding to 1895 (approximately 131 years ago).
Where can I find Eastern Illinois University?
The institution is located in Charleston, United States.
Is Eastern Illinois University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Eastern Illinois University have?
The institution has a student body of 4,188.
How many faculties does Eastern Illinois University have?
Eastern Illinois University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Eastern Illinois University accredited?
Yes, Eastern Illinois University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Eastern Illinois University?
The institution's website is www.eiu.edu.
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Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Eastern Illinois University and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
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