Your chances of getting into Eastern Illinois University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at EIU is 67.8%. Its admission rate is the 20th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into EIU and can you get accepted?
EIU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 7,892 out of the 11,648 who applied were admitted.
Eastern Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.39. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 10% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into EIU?
68% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Eastern Illinois University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.39 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1000 on the SAT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
EIU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Eastern Illinois University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into EIU are to have around a 3.39 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as EIU accepts 68% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at EIU is 3.39 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #33 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since EIU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
EIU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Eastern Illinois University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 1% of students submitted SAT scores.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 460 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 430 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 890 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 570 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 540 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1110 |
| Average SAT Score | 1000
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Eastern Illinois University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at EIU is 1000 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 890-1110. Students who get into Eastern Illinois University score in the top 79 percent of all SAT test takers.. EIU ranks #43 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1000 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. EIU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 890 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 890, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 780, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Eastern Illinois University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1000 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1000, you have around a 68% chance of being admitted. A 1110 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 80% chance of getting in.
EIU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
72% of Eastern Illinois University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 35% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 13% |
| Top 25% of class | 35% |
| Top 50% of class | 72% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 6,337 | 5,163 | 11,648 |
| Accepted | 4,537 | 3,254 | 7,892 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | 63% | 68% |
| Enrolled | 517 | 302 | 819 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 11% | 9% | 10% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Eastern Illinois University is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Eastern Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Eastern Illinois University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144892 IPEDS survey data for Eastern Illinois University.
Last updated February 24, 2025