Cost to Attend
We know that cost is an important factor when choosing a college or university. That’s why Eastern Illinois University works hard to keep higher education affordable. Our Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will assist you in finding and applying for the right scholarships, grants, work-study jobs and/or loans.
Our students save an average of $1500 using textbook rental!
In the 2023-2024 school year more than $56 million in scholarships and awards were given to EIU students. (That's over $11,800 per student on average!)
Get a personalized net-cost estimate at eiu.edu/cost and see just how affordable EIU is!
We're consistently ranked among the best value schools in the nation, and we're proud to have the lowest cost of attendance among all Illinois public universities. We're committed to making education affordable and accessible for you and your family!
| Cost Item | Domestic Undergraduates | International Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Per Credit Hour | $347.63 | $434.53 |
| Tuition (15 hrs FA and SP) | $10,428.90 | $13,035.90 |
| Fees | $4,201.80 | $4,201.80 |
| Textbook Rental Fee* | $262.50 | $262.50 |
| Food and Housing (Unlimited Meal Plan) | $13,020.00 | $13,020.00 |
| 2025-2026 Total Cost | $27,913.20 | $30,520.20 |
Tuition Per Credit Hour
Domestic Undergraduates: $347.63
International Undergraduates: $434.53
Tuition (15 hrs FA and SP)
Domestic Undergraduates: $10,428.90
International Undergraduates: $13,035.90
Fees
Domestic Undergraduates: $4,201.80
International Undergraduates: $4,201.80
Textbook Rental Fee*
Domestic Undergraduates: $262.50
International Undergraduates: $262.50
Food and Housing (Unlimited Meal Plan)
Domestic Undergraduates: $13,020.00
International Undergraduates: $13,020.00
2025-2026 Total Cost
Domestic Undergraduates: $27,913.20
International Undergraduates: $30,520.20
*Tuition and Fees are ESTIMATED until set by the Board in their spring or summer meeting.
When computing the financial aid budget seen on your award letter, an estimated average of 3 years costs is used. We also include the all-access meal plan to allow for 3 meals a day. The most popular meal plan is the 12+ option. You can decide what will work best for you.
Other indirect costs includes other everyday expenses students might incur. Examples include: gas money, school supplies, costs for toiletries, etc., or social activities. These expenses vary from student to student and will NOT be charged to the Eastern bill; they can be covered through parental support, student employment, or savings. Federal loan fees of $100 are also allowed in the budget. Please borrow wisely.