EIU Media Relations

EIU again ranked a top public regional university in Illinois, Midwest

Graduation, retention, accessibility highlight EIU’s reputation for excellence

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University is once again ranked as one of the highest public regional universities in Illinois, according to new data released by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR). Rankings are based on schools’ academic reputations, student selectivity, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources and alumni giving.

The USNWR magazine’s annual 2021 college rankings also list Eastern as the highest-ranking independent public university in Illinois for value, boasting the lowest in-State average discounted cost of $20,665. EIU’s unique financial aid packages were a factor in how the university was acknowledged for creating maximum financial flexibility for students and families. EIU offers a variety of scholarships to assist students in funding their higher education experiences.

As part of their findings, USNWR also revealed an above-average average EIU first-year retention rate of 73 percent.

“Year after year, Eastern Illinois University is recognized for excellence and value in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report,” said EIU President Dr. David Glassman. “Our commitment to student success, the accessibility of our quality academic programming, and our outstanding relationships with alumni are reflective of our mission, and we’re proud to be recognized yet again in these premier rankings.”

USNWR’s Midwest region encompasses a 12-state territory including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. According to USNWR metrics, EIU is categorized as Midwest public regional university. As an independent university, EIU is not affiliated with a larger state university system.

Since 2017, EIU enrollment has risen 22 percent to just over 8,600 students in Fall 2021. Eastern leaders point to several contributing factors for these increases—including the university’s more dynamic enrollment and marketing endeavors—but cite the university’s overall reputation for affordability, academic excellence, and student success rates as its primary advantage in keeping more Illinois students in the state for college.

For U.S. News & World Report’s full profile of Eastern Illinois University, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eastern-illinois-university-1674. For more information about EIU, or to learn more about its growing assortment of programs and services, visit the university’s website at www.eiu.edu, or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.