Eastern Illinois University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Eastern Illinois is test-optional, but the SAT range gives you a useful decision rule rather than a hurdle. With a 3.36 average GPA and 65% acceptance rate, strong grades can carry real weight; an SAT near or above 1130 is worth submitting, while a score closer to 900 should be weighed against your full record.
⬡ LangSmith82ee41e4-3f5a-462b-9921-0d2d773c0836Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Eastern Illinois University facts and stats
Eastern Illinois University enrolls about 6,785 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Eastern Illinois has a 71% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 48% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
⬡ LangSmith38f1a1a3-0ab0-4005-8cca-177de2925fb2Charleston, IL
How do your scores compare at Eastern Illinois?
Key Eastern Illinois University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 12
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
December 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Eastern Illinois, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for any retake. Eastern Illinois’s Regular Decision deadline is August 12, so fall senior-year retakes will be too late for this deadline.
⬡ LangSmith22532be2-88e9-46f5-8fa0-7264bdd90f5dWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Eastern Illinois University?
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What you'll actually pay
Eastern Illinois, a public university in the Ohio Valley Conference, lists in-state tuition at $10,151 and out-of-state tuition at $10,151. About 66% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,595. Submit the FAFSA by the December 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
⬡ LangSmith15823742-a9f7-47d1-90d9-1fd753d9b473
Eastern Illinois’ tuition is $10,151, with room and board adding $11,862 before books, fees, and personal expenses. Financial aid is common: 66% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $17,899. Merit awards average $3,595, which can further reduce the billed cost for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,015.
⬡ LangSmithdb6c7341-2126-4085-a7ff-6ed0d0a6de25Student life at Eastern Illinois University
48% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 4% of men join fraternities.
Similar schools
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MOAcceptance rate: 63.8%
ACT: 17–24
University of St. Francis
Joliet, ILAcceptance rate: 65.3%
SAT: 910–1150
ACT: 15–26
Governors State University
University Park, ILAcceptance rate: 48.3%
ACT: 13–14
Millikin University
Decatur, ILAcceptance rate: 66.7%
SAT: 860–1130
ACT: 18–25
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