Eastern Illinois University admits approximately 67.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Eastern Illinois in the Moderately Selective category, making it accessible to a broad range of qualified students. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Eastern Illinois is somewhat more selective than typical regional public universities, accepting 16.8 percentage points fewer applicants than the average peer institution. This moderate selectivity suggests that while the university maintains academic standards, students with solid high school preparation have good prospects for admission. The university's approach reflects its mission to serve both traditional college-bound students and those seeking alternative pathways to higher education, including the substantial transfer population that comprises 39.6% of enrollment. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that Eastern Illinois represents a realistic option for those with average to above-average academic preparation. Students should still present their strongest academic credentials, but the 67.8% acceptance rate suggests that most qualified applicants will receive serious consideration. Building a balanced college list that includes Eastern Illinois as a target school, along with more and less selective options, represents sound application strategy for students with typical academic preparation.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Eastern Illinois University typically score between 890 and 1,110 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling within this range. The SAT midpoint of 1,010 indicates that most successful applicants achieve scores around the national average. SAT Math scores range from 430 to 540, while SAT Verbal scores span 460 to 570, showing relatively balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores for admitted students range around a midpoint of 20, which aligns with the SAT performance profile. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1,090, Eastern Illinois admits students with scores 80 points lower on average, reflecting its commitment to accessible education while maintaining quality standards. These test score ranges indicate that students scoring below 890 SAT should expect to face competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Students scoring within the 890-1,110 range are academically competitive for admission and should feel confident in their prospects. Those scoring above 1,110 would be among the stronger applicants academically. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, while remembering that test scores represent just one factor in holistic admissions review. The relatively broad score ranges suggest Eastern Illinois values diverse academic backgrounds and preparation levels.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Eastern Illinois University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to broad educational access. The university serves 30.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one-third of students come from lower-income families qualifying for federal financial aid. First-generation students comprise 34.2% of enrollment, demonstrating significant support for students whose parents did not complete college. Transfer students represent a substantial 39.6% of the student body, highlighting Eastern Illinois's role as a destination for students completing their degrees after starting elsewhere. This composition suggests the university prioritizes serving students from varied educational and economic backgrounds rather than focusing exclusively on traditional, privileged applicants. The substantial first-generation population indicates that students without family college experience will find peers who share their background and understand their challenges. Similarly, the large transfer student presence suggests strong support systems for non-traditional educational pathways. Students from lower-income families should note that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their economic background, creating a community where financial constraints are understood and supported. The diversity in student backgrounds creates an environment where different perspectives and experiences contribute to campus learning.
Given Eastern Illinois University's 67.8% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view admission as achievable. However, students seeking alternatives can find comparable outcomes with different admission profiles.
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Eastern Illinois University demonstrates mixed outcomes in student retention and completion. The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 70.0% falls below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating that 30% of first-year students do not return for their second year. The six-year graduation rate of 45.2% also trails the peer median of 49.3%, suggesting completion challenges for a significant portion of students. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 53.0%, which exceeds both the overall completion rate and represents a positive 7.8 percentage point gap favoring low-income students. This reverse gap is notable and suggests that Eastern Illinois provides particularly effective support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds once they enroll. Students who gain admission should expect an environment where persistence requires self-advocacy and engagement with support services. The lower overall retention and completion rates indicate that academic and social adjustment challenges are common. However, the strong performance of Pell-eligible students suggests that students who actively seek support and utilize available resources can succeed. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of the importance of personal commitment and institutional engagement rather than barriers to success. The university's track record with first-generation and low-income students demonstrates that background disadvantages need not prevent degree completion with proper support and effort.
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