Eastern Illinois University provides families with predictable affordability and reliable outcomes that support long-term financial stability.
The university's combination of reasonable costs and solid graduate earnings creates a sustainable pathway to degree completion and career success.
Azimuth ranks Eastern Illinois University 284th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 30th percentile for overall value. Located in Charleston, Illinois, EIU serves as a regional public university that provides accessible education with moderate long-term financial outcomes. The institution enrolls a substantial number of first-generation college students at 34% and maintains a Pell Grant recipient population of about 31%, demonstrating its commitment to serving diverse student populations.
Eastern Illinois graduates earn a median of $51,989 ten years after enrollment, which represents slightly above-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions. The university's affordability profile is notably strong, with low-income students paying around $11,412 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of approximately $12,371 per year. These net prices place EIU well above average nationally for affordability, making it an accessible option for Illinois families.
As a medium-sized public university, EIU offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program diversity of a larger system. The university's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects its ability to deliver solid outcomes for the students it serves, particularly in supporting upward mobility for students from various economic backgrounds.
Eastern Illinois University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving diverse student interests and career goals. General Studies leads in aggregate return with 123 graduates earning solid mid-career salaries, demonstrating the value of EIU's flexible, broad-based educational approach that allows students to customize their academic experience. Psychology represents the university's largest program footprint with 102 graduates, providing strong preparation for human services careers, graduate study, and diverse professional paths.
The technical programs show particular strength in preparing students for immediate career entry. Chemical Engineering Technology graduates just 21 students annually but delivers the highest individual earnings at $50,856, reflecting strong industry demand and EIU's effective technical training. Family and Consumer Sciences, with 64 graduates earning $27,407, represents solid preparation for careers in education, social services, and related human-focused fields.
This program mix illustrates EIU's comprehensive approach to higher education, balancing professional preparation with liberal arts foundation and technical specialization. The university's ability to deliver consistent outcomes across such diverse fields reflects its commitment to practical career preparation and its understanding of the varied pathways students need in today's economy.
Eastern Illinois University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that meet expectations for a regional public university. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $51,989, with the institution delivering earnings that are about $2,057 above what would be expected for similar students at comparable institutions. This modest earnings advantage reflects EIU's consistent ability to prepare students for stable career paths across multiple fields.
The university's program portfolio shows interesting variation in outcomes. General Studies, the program with the highest aggregate return, graduates 123 students annually who earn around $32,634 ten years out, demonstrating the value of EIU's broad-based educational approach. Psychology represents the largest program footprint with 102 graduates, though earnings in this field average $22,917, reflecting the typical early-career trajectory for social science majors. Chemical Engineering Technology stands out with the highest individual earnings at $50,856 for its 21 graduates, showing EIU's strength in technical fields. Family and Consumer Sciences graduates 64 students with median earnings of $27,407, representing solid outcomes in human services fields. This program mix reflects EIU's role as a comprehensive regional university serving students across professional, technical, and liberal arts disciplines.
Eastern Illinois University delivers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Illinois families. Low-income students pay approximately $11,412 per year after aid, while middle-income families see annual costs around $12,371, both figures representing excellent value compared with national averages. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $21,672 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan effectively for a four-year degree.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given EIU's median graduate earnings of nearly $52,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,000, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden for parents. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after leaving school. This combination of reasonable net prices and manageable debt levels creates a sustainable financial pathway for students and families choosing EIU.
Eastern Illinois University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
