Eastern Illinois University, founded in 1895 in Charleston, Illinois, is a public comprehensive university known for its strong teacher education and business programs. EIU's 320-acre campus features historic red-brick buildings combined with modern facilities like the $55 million Doudna Fine Arts Center. The university offers 60+ undergraduate programs through four colleges, maintaining a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close student-professor relationships. EIU is recognized for its affordability and has been named a 'Best Bang for the Buck' college by Washington Monthly.
EIU's location in east-central Illinois provides a classic college town experience with easy access to Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. The university is home to the prestigious Booth Library, which houses special collections on Illinois history and the Lincoln-Douglas debates. EIU Panthers compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the Ohio Valley Conference. The campus features unique landmarks like the Tarble Arts Center and the 10th Street Renaissance program that transforms student housing into living-learning communities.
Eastern Illinois University Acceptance Rate
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 67.75%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
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.
EIU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at EIU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.39, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.39 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.19 – 3.38 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.99 – 3.18 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.98 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At EIU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Eastern Illinois University Average SAT Score: 1010
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Eastern Illinois University is 1010 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1010 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1110 SAT or ACT) 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 890, 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.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 485 | 430 | 540 |
| SAT Reading | 515 | 460 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1010 | 890 | 1110 |
It means that if you have scored less than 890 then you are below most of the admitted students at EIU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1110 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: 26164. 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: 14093
How can I get a scholarship?
30.87% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.95 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 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, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 994 | 19 |
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 994 | 21 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Georgia Southwestern State University, GA | 998 | 19 |
| Life University | Life University, GA | 994 | 17 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | University of Hawaii-West Oahu, HI | 973 | 18 |
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, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1014 | 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 | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Illinois University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51989 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26164 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Eastern Illinois University is 67.75 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.39. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.09, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.09, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.09 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.99 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Eastern Illinois University if my GPA is below 2.99
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.39, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Eastern Illinois University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1010 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 890-1110
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.