Overview
Founded in 1895, Eastern Illinois University offers a high-quality education in the heart of America. EIU is ranked among the nation’s top 100 public universities for quality and value.

The campus is composed of more than 72 buildings, including 12 residence halls and 17 apartment buildings, set among spacious gardens and wooded areas. Students enjoy large, state-ofthe- art facilities, including computer labs, a newly renovated library, a huge fitness center with swimming pools, and numerous other resources—all located within a small, hospitable community. The townspeople of Charleston welcome their international student guests with frequent invitations to parties, events, and other activities. Eastern Illinois University provides excellent education and facilities in a safe, friendly environment.

Academics
Eastern Illinois University is a master’s comprehensive university. International students can choose from more than 44 undergraduate majors and 27 master’s programs from the College of Arts and Humanities, Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences, College of Sciences, and the College of Education and Professional Studies. The faculty-student ratio of 1:18 allows students to work closely with faculty who place student success as their top priority. Eastern Illinois University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as other specialized accreditation bodies.

Campus Life
The Eastern Illinois University experience begins from the moment international students arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. A university representative meets students at the airport and drives them to their accommodations. For the next week, international students are given an extensive orientation, which includes tours of the campus, introductions to American students, tours of the community, shopping, and preparations for the coming semester. International students will be introduced to numerous professionals on campus, who can be of assistance to them as they pursue their degree, as well as to local families who enjoy hosting international students during holidays, at parties and local events. The International Programs office will help students arrange university housing before they arrive or private apartments upon arrival. Throughout the year, International Programs will assist students as they adjust to life at the university. Students are encouraged to join the Association of International Students, an organization that plans parties, sightseeing excursions, and other activities for students.

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students at Eastern Illinois University must be fluent in academic-level English to succeed. Official TOEFL score required. Undergraduate 500 (paper) 173 (computer) Graduate 550 (paper) 213 (computer) Institutional code for EIU is 1199.

Scholarships are available for highly qualified international applicants. A competitive assistantship program for graduate students provides teaching, research, and service to qualified candidates. For all students, Eastern Illinois University strives to remain affordable. The total costs are consistently below national averages for four-year public colleges. For example, a textbook rental system saves students as much as $400 to $600 per year.