Logo of Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, United States Founded 1895 World Rank #3923

Overview

Acronyms: EIU
Founded: 1895
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #3923
Rank in United States: #416
Colours: Blue and gray
Mascot: Billy the Panther
Eastern Illinois University student life
1 / 2

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.

Address: 600 Lincoln Avenue
Postal Code: 61920
Phone: +1 (217) 581 5000
Fax: +1 (217) 581 2722
Social Media:

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.

Total Students: 4,188
Student Enrollment: 8
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

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.

Bachelor's Degree

56 programmes

Browse 56 programmes at Eastern Illinois University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.

Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Geography and Cartography Geography
Economics Economics
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Chemistry Chemistry
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
History History
Construction Management Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Music Music
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Journalism Journalism
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Mathematics Mathematics
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering

Master's Degree

30 programmes

These 30 programmes form Eastern Illinois University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.

Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Geography and Cartography Geography
Economics Economics
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Chemistry Chemistry
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
History History
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Public Health Public Health
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Music Music
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Mathematics Mathematics
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

13 programmes

Alongside its degrees, Eastern Illinois University provides 13 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.

Geography and Cartography Geography
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other General Engineering
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 8,000-8,999.

How is Eastern Illinois University ranked?

Eastern Illinois University holds rank #3923 globally and #416 in United States.

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.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

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)

Network-level rankings exist for some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Eastern Illinois University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Universities in the United States with strong Education & Teaching provision give natural alternatives to Eastern Illinois University. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.

Universities Often Compared with Eastern Illinois University

Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Eastern Illinois University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.

Explore More Universities in United States

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →
System Share
Copy Link
More Share Options