Eastern Illinois University Fast Facts

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is located in the city of Charleston, about 180 miles south of Chicago and about 140 miles northeast of St. Louis. Undergraduates can choose from many majors in the fields of arts and humanities, business and applied sciences, education and professional studies, and the sciences. The university also offers more than 25 master’s degree programs, including those in the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences and the Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences.

From an admissions standpoint, 68% of the class of 2016 were in the top half of their class with an average act of 21.  Students with lower ACTs or GPAs should consider applying through the Gateway program (see link below) which will require an additional essay and 2 recommendations.  Students with at least a 21 ACT and a B average will receive tiered scholarships of $3,500, $2,500 or $1,500.

Outside the classroom, students at EIU can get involved in more than 200 clubs, dozens of fraternities and sororities, and student government. Each year, EIU hosts several events for students, such as Family Weekend in the fall with a concert and a football game, and the Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant during African American Heritage Month. Student athletes can play at the intramural level or try out for one of the many EIU Panthers varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference. Notable Eastern Illinois alumni include John Malkovich, who starred in the movies Con Air andBeing John Malkovich, and Tony Romo, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys professional football team.

Location:  Charleston, IL  (3 hours south of Chicago)

Number of Undergraduates:  9,970

Percentage of Black students:  22%

Percentage of Latino students:  6%

Overall 4 year graduation rate:  30%

Overall 5 year graduation rate: 55%

Overall 4 year minority graduation rate:  20%

Overall 5 year minority graduation rate:  36%

# of North Lawndale Alumni graduates: 2

North Lawndale Alumni persistence rate (Those returning to school): 50%

Alumni Profile:  Shawana Smith

 

 

Average % of financial need met:  57%

Estimated cost of attendance:  $23,528

Average indebtedness at graduation:  $22,800

Admission Contact:  Shijuana Shannon  smshannon@eiu.edu  708.272.5931

Alumni Network Contact:

Academic Support Programs:

• Gateway Our Gateway alternative admissions program is designed to provide access to under-represented, disadvantaged students. Gateway candidates have experienced obstacles contributing to an inability to meet our published admissions requirements.  Academic and social supports are provided as well.
• TRIO Student Support Services  Student Support Services (SSS) is a comprehensive federally funded TRIO program that offers academic assistance to 175 undergraduate students at Eastern Illinois University. Students can become a participant at any point in their undergraduate program (freshman through senior) and remain in the program until they receive their undergraduate degree from EIU. There is no charge for services provided to students through Student Support Services.