Eastern Illinois University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,164 per year, including $15,879 in out-of-state tuition, $11,298 for room and board, and $150 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $13,403 in tuition, reducing the total cost significantly.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,164 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,879 |
| Room and Board | $11,298 |
| Books and Supplies | $150 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,071 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,093 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,412 |
| $30–48k | $9,774 |
| $48–75k | $12,371 |
| $75–110k | $19,132 |
| $110k+ | $21,672 |
Eastern Illinois University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,164 per year, including $15,879 in out-of-state tuition, $11,298 for room and board, and $150 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $13,403 in tuition, reducing the total cost significantly. However, the average student pays just $14,093 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,071 from the sticker price.
This net price matches exactly with the peer median of $14,093, indicating competitive affordability within Eastern Illinois's institutional category. The substantial gap between published price and actual cost demonstrates the university's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid. For families evaluating college costs, the $26,164 sticker price should not deter consideration, as most students pay significantly less after aid.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Eastern Illinois University graduates carry median debt of $21,500, closely aligned with the peer median of $21,105, indicating typical borrowing patterns for similar institutions. Debt levels span from $8,250 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing needs among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable repayment obligations, with annual debt service representing reasonable portion of post-graduation income. Compared to peer institutions, Eastern Illinois graduates borrow $395 less on average, demonstrating slight advantage in debt control.
Parent PLUS loans average $15,000 with monthly payments of $198, indicating moderate family borrowing levels. The combination of controlled student debt levels and reasonable parent borrowing creates sustainable financing for most families.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Eastern Illinois University delivers solid return on educational investment through above-expectations earnings combined with controlled costs. Graduates earn $2,057 beyond what would be predicted based on their backgrounds, ranking in the 63.9th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
With median earnings of $51,989 and debt of $21,500, graduates achieve favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, indicating sustainable repayment obligations. Compared to peer institutions, Eastern Illinois graduates earn $1,873 more annually while borrowing $395 less, creating double advantage in long-term financial outcomes.
The university qualifies as top 50 nationally for both value-added earnings and low-income outcomes, indicating consistent performance across student backgrounds. Low-income graduates earn $43,300, demonstrating that the investment pays off even for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eastern Illinois University serves 30.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal grants. The $12,071 average financial aid savings demonstrates significant institutional investment in affordability.
The progressive net price structure, with middle-low income families paying just $9,774, reflects strategic aid deployment to maximize access. The gap between published cost of attendance ($26,164) and average net price ($14,093) shows that most families receive meaningful financial support.
Eastern Illinois's approach particularly benefits working-class families in the $30,000-$48,000 income range, who often face challenges qualifying for aid while struggling with college costs. The university's financial aid strategy aligns with its mission to serve first-generation and economically diverse student populations, with aid packages designed to make attendance feasible across income levels.
