EIU Media Relations

EIU earns HLC’s Reaffirmation of Accreditation through 2034-35

(Charleston, IL) – Leaders at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) are pleased to announce that the leading Midwestern University’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) through the 2034-35 academic year. This decision, effective January 7, 2025, follows a comprehensive evaluation by HLC’s Institutional Actions Council (IAC).

At EIU’s 2025 Spring Update earlier today, EIU President Dr. Jay Gatrell announced the IAC’s action, which continues and reaffirms EIU’s accreditation, ensuring the University's commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.

"This reaffirmation by the Higher Learning Commission underscores Eastern Illinois University's dedication to providing high-quality education and our efforts toward continuous improvement," said Gatrell following the spring update. "We are excited to continue our important work and committed to further enhancing academic programs and partnerships that benefit our students and community, which reinforces our steadfast commitment to creating and maintaining a thriving Illinois."

Professors, administrators and co-chairs of EIU’s HLC reaffirmation committee Dr. Jeff Stowell and Dr. Suzie Park are pleased that EIU will continue meeting the myriad needs of its students, communities, and the State of Illinois.

“HLC’s reaffirmation of EIU’s accreditation is the exclamation point on the incredible effort by many people in the campus community to provide a quality and accessible education for our students,” Stowell said. Park echoed the sentiment.

Eastern Illinois University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing personalized education and student success. The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission for more than a century.

Eastern Illinois University, located in Charleston, Illinois, is a public university committed to providing superior, accessible undergraduate and graduate education. With a focus on student-centered learning, EIU offers a wide array of programs and services designed to prepare students for responsible citizenship and successful careers. EIU prepares its students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.

About the Higher Learning Commission:

The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and an independent corporation that accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC's decision-making bodies evaluate and make decisions, called actions, on recommendations from peer institutional reviewers and staff that review higher education institutions for compliance with HLC's Criteria for Accreditation and other unique requirements. HLC's mission is to serve the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning.