About Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University is a four-year public institution providing opportunities to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Courses are led by high-quality, student-centered faculty. EIU strives to sustain an academic family through a multitude of scholarly activity designed to transform students into leaders in today’s competitive and challenging industries.
Eastern Illinois University distance learning programs are available to the nontraditional student. Earn an online bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or general studies. Online master’s degrees are available in political science, education, communications, and more. Students are prepared for professional careers or to pursue Phd transfer programs.
eLearning with EIU:
- Fully online format
- Competitively affordable
- Career services
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Accreditation & Licensing
Eastern Illinois University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Post-master's certificateReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,460Fully Online Graduate Students:
37%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
55%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$13,020Credit for Military Training:
YesEIU can support degree continuation when life changes. Some learners move from on-campus study to online classes and keep going, which helps protect time to finish. Progress can feel less smooth when course build quality varies by class, especially in courses with complex worksheets and limited instruction.
Price lands in a middle range rather than a clear bargain. EIU is described as a small school at a low price, and listed annual tuition is $16,217. Overall value depends on how consistent course delivery feels term to term, since uneven instruction can slow momentum in required sequences.
At Eastern Illinois University, support feels personal and easy to reach. Instructors are friendly, responsive, and ready to help. That steady contact helps with advising, class questions, and planning next steps.
The first year often feels smoother than students expect, even with early nerves. As the year goes on, many feel more confident and at ease. Help is there for everyday school needs, not only big problems.
Online classes at EIU can feel very different by course. Some classes had no video lectures. A philosophy elective included video resources. That creates uneven structure across the same schedule.
EIU can still work for online continuation. One learner moved from campus to online and still enjoyed EIU. But online support and class setup are less consistent than in-person. Expect pace and structure to depend on the instructor and course build.
At Eastern Illinois University, classes often feel personal and close-knit. Small class sizes make it easier to know your professors. That direct contact helps students stay involved and keep up in class.
Online courses can feel different from one class to the next. Some sections offer more depth and stronger materials than others. Even so, clear teaching and a steady course plan can make a big difference.
Outside class, groups like clubs and marching band help students build friendships and routine. That sense of connection can support learning and make the college experience stronger overall.
EIU is a mixed school overall. In-person experience is the stronger side. Classes feel personal on a smaller campus. Students often know their professors.
Belonging is a real strength here. Online delivery is less consistent. Some online classes have minimal instructional materials. Support follow-through can also be uneven.
Accommodation handling drew clear frustration in one case. Online quality depends more on course setup. Cost and value sit in the middle. The school can feel worth it for many.
It also gets “just okay” reactions on value. EIU works best as a relationship-driven fit, with variable online execution.
EIU is a mixed school overall. In-person experience is the stronger side. Classes feel personal on a smaller campus. Students often know their professors.
Belonging is a real strength here. Online delivery is less consistent. Some online classes have minimal instructional materials. Support follow-through can also be uneven.
Accommodation handling drew clear frustration in one case. Online quality depends more on course setup. Cost and value sit in the middle. The school can feel worth it for many.
It also gets “just okay” reactions on value. EIU works best as a relationship-driven fit, with variable online execution.
Online Programs offered by Eastern Illinois University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Education
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Illinois University
Is Eastern Illinois University accredited?
Yes. Eastern Illinois University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Eastern Illinois University offer?
Eastern Illinois University offers 27 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Eastern Illinois University offer?
Eastern Illinois University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Eastern Illinois University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Eastern Illinois University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Eastern Illinois University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Eastern Illinois University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Eastern Illinois University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Eastern Illinois University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 2.8, and 2.8 appears most often.
Is Eastern Illinois University military friendly?
Eastern Illinois University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Eastern Illinois University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Eastern Illinois University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Eastern Illinois University accept life experience credit?
Eastern Illinois University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Eastern Illinois University programs fully online or mixed?
Eastern Illinois University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Eastern Illinois University offer?
Eastern Illinois University has online program options in areas such as Business, Art & Liberal Arts, Education, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Eastern Illinois University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Are any admission tests required for Eastern Illinois University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Eastern Illinois University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Eastern Illinois University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Eastern Illinois University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Eastern Illinois University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Eastern Illinois University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Eastern Illinois University is featured in 15 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Eastern Illinois University is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM