Eastern Illinois University is a 4-year public institution which offers an array of academic programs on campus, online as well as in hybrid mode. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate degree programs including 150 major and minor options and 36 graduate programs. Some of the most popular programs include Engineering and Technology, Business Management and Administration.

In the fall intake of 2022, 8,859 applications were received out of which 53% were selected while 20% enrolled. The University has a competitive acceptance rate. A total enrollment of 7,806 students was recorded. With low tuition fees and high student to faculty ratio of 14:1, Eastern Illinois University is considered one of the best state universities in the U.S.

Some of the points to be kept in mind while applying to the Eastern Illinois University are as follows:

  • The University offers admissions twice a year, in fall semester and in spring semester.
  • Students applying for the Fall 2023 semester starting July 1 free of any charge up to a limited period of time.
  • Following Fall 2023, the University no longer requires ACT/ SAT scores.
  • Applicants seeking admission without test scores but with a GPA of 3.3 and college preparatory coursework meet the admission criteria.
  • Applicants with no test scores and GPA between 2.5 to 3.29 will be granted admission on the basis of review of credentials.
  • Graduate program applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission. Some departments may have higher GPA requirements.
  • Merit scholarships will still be awarded to students who apply as test optional.

COVID-19 Admission Updates

  • Due to the situation created by COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern Illinois University has made SAT/ ACT scores optional for admissions in Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and later.

Highlights

Application Portal EIU portal (online)
Application Fee (Non-refundable) 30 USD
Average SAT score 940-1130
Average ACT score 18-23
Acceptance Rate 53%
Mode of Payment Visa/ MasterCard/ Discover/ AmericanExpress/ Check/ Money order
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake Seasons Fall/ Spring
Work Experience Required for graduate programs
Financial Aid Not available for international students

Eastern Illinois University Admission Deadlines

International students seeking admission to Eastern Illinois University can apply for admission by completing the online application form within the application deadlines specified in the table below:

Semester Application Deadlines
Fall May 15
Spring November 1

Note: Some graduate programs may have earlier application deadlines.

Eastern Illinois University International Student Admissions

Eastern Illinois University invites applications from international students provided they successfully fulfill the admission criteria, English language requirements, verify finances and apply for a visa. The application process for international and domestic applicants are similar except some additional requirements that international applicants must fulfill to meet the equivalent standards of the U.S. education system.

Application Portal: Application for Admission

Application Fee: 30 USD

Admission Requirements: The following documents must be submitted by international applicants:

  • Official high school transcripts with English translation, if necessary
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on 4.0
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • International Student Financial Affidavit
  • Bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the expenses of studying in the U.S.
  • Copy of passport

English Language Proficiency Requirements

International applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. The accepted tests and minimum score requirements are as follows:

Test Minimum Requirements (Undergraduates) Minimum Requirements (Graduates)
TOEFL 500 PBT/ 61 iBT 550 PBT/ 79 iBT
IELTS 6.0 6.5
MELAB 69 77
STEP EIKEN Grade Pre-1 Grade 1
iTEP Academic Plus 4.5 5.0

Visa Process for International Students

International applicants will have to apply for a F-type student visa to study in the U.S. after they have been shortlisted for admission in Eastern Illinois University. The University will mail form I-20 to selected candidates once the application process is completed.

The documents required while applying for an F-1 visa are as follows:

  • A filled visa application
  • Signed original I-20
  • A valid passport
  • Photograph as per requirements
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Transcripts and standardized test scores
  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Proof of financial support

Post submitting the completed I-20 form and paying the fees, applicants can schedule the visa interview with the nearest U.S. embassy.

Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Admissions

Eastern Illinois University offers around 50 bachelor's degree programs in various academic fields. Some of the academic areas covered include engineering and technology, health and medicine, research, business management and administration, history, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, arts, law, foreign languages and many other majors. The University has traditional admission standards which must be fulfilled by applicants. Freshmen applicantsare strongly recommended to pursue a strong college preparatory curriculum.

Where to Apply: Online Application

Application Fee: 30 USD

Admission Requirements: For undergraduate admission, the applicant must complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on 4.0
  • SAT/ ACT scores (not compulsory for 2023 session)
    • Minimum SAT score: 960
    • Minimum ACT score: 18
  • Letter of recommendation signed and completed by a teacher, counselor or school administrator.
  • Personal statement with background information
  • High school preparation that includes the following units:
    • 4 years of English
    • 3 years of mathematics
    • 3 years of social studies
    • 3 years of natural sciences
    • 2 years of a single foreign language

Students applying in Summer 2023, Fall 2023 or later who choose not to submit SAT/ ACT scores must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.3 on 4.0
  • Successful completion of college preparatory work

Eastern Illinois University Graduate Admissions

Eastern Illinois University offers 36 postgraduate degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Arts, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Psychology, Political Sciences, etc. The University offers programs in online mode as well as in hybrid mode. All graduate program applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and submit evaluated transcripts to demonstrate the same.

Where to Apply: Application for Admission

Application Fee: 30 USD

Admission Requirements: Graduate program applicants must fulfill the following requirements for admission:

  • Official transcripts or marksheets from all previously attended institutions.
  • Evaluation of transcripts by World Evaluation Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluation (ECE).
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on 4.0
  • Official GRE/ GMAT scores
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • International Student Financial Affidavit
  • Bank Statement
  • Copy of passport

The following table highlights admission requirements for some popular master’s degree programs offered at the Eastern Illinois University:

Requirements MBA MS in Counseling Masters in Economics Masters in Biochemistry and Biotechnology MA in Communication and Leadership
Transcripts Required Required Required Required Required
Minimum GPA 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 3.0
GMAT/ GRE scores Not required Not required Not required Not required Not required
Recommendations Recommended Required, 2 references Required, 3 recommendations from professors Not required Required, 3 letters
Personal Statement Required Required Required Required Required
Resume Required Required Required Required Required
Work Experience Recommended Not required Not required Not required Not required
Additional Requirements GMAT/ GRE scores recommended for applicants applying for assistantships None None Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biology, chemistry or related field. Writing sample demonstrating preparation for graduate studies.

Eastern Illinois University has a selective admission process and prefers students with good academic records and high test scores. International applicants are advised to apply early atleast 3 months before the application deadlines. Accepted applicants are notified via an email. The form I-20 is delivered to international students via mail so that they can start the visa application process in their home country. Graduate applicants for some programs may be offered conditional admission, if they fulfill all admission requirements except the English language requirements.

FAQs

Ques. I do not have any standardized test scores but have a GPA of 3.5. Will I be considered eligible for admission?

Ans. Yes. Applicants who do not have any test scores yet have a GPA of 3.3 and college prep work will be considered eligible for admissions. However, applicants with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.25 with no test scores will have their credentials reviewed by the university to determine their eligibility for admission.

Ques. Do I need to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission to the university?

Ans. No. EIU no longer requires SAT/ACT scores for admission to the university beginning with Fall 2023 semester applications. However, candidates may still submit the test scores to get admissions.

Ques. What is the test-optional policy implemented for SAT/ ACT scores?

Ans. EIU has come up with a test-optional policy for submission of Standardized Test Scores beginning the Fall 2023 semester. The decision was partly to eliminate the barriers to college admissions students faced from marginalized groups and partly due to disruption of testing because of COVID 19 pandemic.

Ques. Whom can I approach for Letters of Recommendation?

Ans. The letter of recommendation must be completed and signed by either a counselor, teacher, or school administrator who can address the potential to succeed at EIU.

Ques. How can I check my application status?

Ans. Candidates can check their application status by logging into the MyEIU Portal.