Eastern Illinois University

What is the accreditation of Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation applies to the university as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation or approval that may apply to an individual professional program.

For students, institutional accreditation is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid and to the recognition of the university by other institutions. It does not guarantee that another college will accept a particular course in transfer. Likewise, a degree from an accredited university does not, by itself, establish eligibility for a professional license. Students considering teaching, nursing or another licensed occupation should check the applicable program's current approval or specialized accreditation and the requirements of the state where they intend to practice.

What are the admission requirements at Eastern Illinois University?

First-year applicants to Eastern Illinois University generally apply with a high school transcript documenting graduation or an accepted equivalency credential. The university considers the secondary school record, GPA and college-preparatory coursework; it does not operate an open-admission policy.

SAT and ACT scores are considered when submitted but are not generally required. In the reported entering class, about half of enrolled first-time students submitted each type of test score, so those figures describe students who chose to submit scores rather than a universal testing requirement. Class rank and recommendations may be considered but are not required. Applicants educated in a language other than English may need to document English proficiency, and individual programs can have additional conditions.

EIU admitted approximately 65% of its reported first-time applicants. That historical rate describes a past applicant pool, not an individual applicant's chances. Students should check the admissions calendar for their intended term and distinguish general university admission from any separate review required by their major.

What are the application fees and waivers at Eastern Illinois University?

Applicants should confirm any Eastern Illinois University application charge in the application they intend to submit before paying. An application fee is separate from tuition, housing charges and any later enrollment-related payment.

Fee treatment can differ by applicant category or application route, and an eligible applicant may be able to request a waiver. Anyone who needs a waiver should ask admissions how to document eligibility before submitting an application or entering payment information; a waiver granted in advance is not the same as a refund after payment. Transfer, graduate and international applicants should follow the instructions for their own application rather than assume first-year procedures apply to them.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University has an Army ROTC unit on campus. Army ROTC combines military-science coursework and leadership training with a student's regular degree program.

Participation in an ROTC class should not be confused with accepting an ROTC scholarship or contracting for military service. Scholarship and commissioning paths have separate eligibility, fitness, academic and service requirements. Students interested in joining should speak with EIU's Army ROTC staff about available courses, scholarship applications and the obligations attached to a particular path.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University accepts transfer applicants and generally considers credits earned at other accredited institutions. Transfer students can enter in fall, spring or summer, but admission to EIU and acceptance of individual courses toward a chosen degree are separate decisions.

Applicants should submit official transcripts from every college attended and check whether their intended major requires a particular GPA, prerequisite courses or a separate application. Depending on the applicant's prior coursework, admissions may also need a high school record. EIU recognizes several forms of exam-based credit, including CLEP and DSST/DANTES, subject to its credit policies.

Before enrolling, a transfer student should request an official evaluation showing not only how many credits transfer but which general-education, major and elective requirements they satisfy. Illinois community-college students should also ask how applicable transfer or articulation agreements affect their planned courses. Credits that transfer as electives may still leave substantial major requirements to complete at EIU.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University offers ways for students to study internationally through its study-abroad advising and approved programs. The options a student can use may include short-term, semester-length or longer study, depending on the destination and current program arrangements.

The academic question is as important as the destination: students should obtain approval for proposed courses before departure and establish how those courses will count toward their EIU degree. Program fees, travel, housing and insurance can differ from the cost of a semester in Charleston. Students using scholarships or financial aid should have the study-abroad and financial-aid offices review the particular program, because aid eligibility and billing depend on its arrangements. A third-party or partner program should not be assumed to operate under the same rules as an EIU-run course.