Eastern Illinois University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is 67.96%. This means that 68 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Eastern Illinois University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the EIU is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Eastern Illinois University Admission Requirements
EIU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at EIU is 3.39. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.09 and 3.39, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.99 is required.
Can I Get Into EIU Without SAT Or ACT?: Eastern Illinois University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Eastern Illinois University Average SAT Score: 1000
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Eastern Illinois University is 1000 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Eastern Illinois University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1000 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Eastern Illinois University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 900, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to EIU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Eastern Illinois University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 495 | 440 | 550 |
| SAT Reading | 515 | 460 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1000 | 900 | 1120 |
It means that if you have scored less than 900 then you are below most of the admitted students at EIU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1120 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Eastern Illinois University (EIU) with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) are good but the admission staff at EIU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
EIU Profile
Name: Eastern Illinois University (EIU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from EIU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Eastern Illinois University is USD: 25334. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Eastern Illinois University is USD: 12388
How can I get a scholarship?
31.09% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36.33 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to EIU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Eastern Illinois University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist EIU as your choice in the form.
How much a EIU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the EIU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 51989. An average EIU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Eastern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Eastern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 963 | 18 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 960 | NA |
| Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 987 | 19 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 966 | 19 |
| Warner University | Warner University, FL | 968 | 19 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 986 | 19 |
| Point University | Point University, GA | 990 | 18 |
| Clark Atlanta University | Clark Atlanta University, GA | 974 | 18 |
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 980 | 19 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 952 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Eastern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Eastern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point University | Point University, GA | 990 | 18 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | College of Coastal Georgia, GA | 997 | 19 |
| Thomas University | Thomas University, GA | 1010 | 18 |
| Greenville University | Greenville University, IL | 1003 | 22 |
| Oakland City University | Oakland City University, IN | 1010 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Eastern Illinois University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Full list of All degree programs offered by Eastern Illinois University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.