Admission Policies

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

Applicants may apply online at my.eiu.edu.

Applicants may be admitted without ACT or SAT scores. They do not have to have ACT or SAT scores at the time of admission, but can submit such scores later if they wish. Applicants applying through the test included process must have official ACT or SAT scores submitted to the university. Official high school transcripts and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended also must be submitted. Students should apply at least 10 calendar days before the first day of class for the term the student wishes to enroll. Since the University may limit enrollment to available facilities and resources, earlier closing dates may be announced.

All admission decision letters are mailed via USPS to the address provided on the application.

Applicants who choose not to attend EIU for the term listed on the application must notify the Office of Admissions in writing. If they would like to be considered for a future term, the application must be updated. Students can log into their MyEIU portal to update their application. The $30 application fee is valid for one academic cycle (ie. Fall to Fall).

Applicants will be considered for admission as first year students and transfer students. In select cases, admission may be granted by review and recommendation of the academic program and their specific criteria.

All admission criteria are listed as guidelines. They are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the university. Applicants for admission to EIU are considered, dependent upon facilities and resources, from candidates who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 scale and a minimum ACT score of 18/new SAT score of 960.

Students who choose to apply as test-optional must have a 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate successful completion of college preparatory curriculum to be recommended for admission. Those who fall between a 2.5 and 2.8 GPA will be reviewed to determine eligibility for admission.

Any student who falls slightly below the criteria listed above, or had a noticeable change in GPA is strongly encouraged to include a personal statement and letter of recommendation. Students’ personal statements are their opportunity to outline readiness for college and include any personal experiences, responsibilities and/or challenges that have impacted them or their academic achievements. Students may also include their educational goals and how attending Eastern Illinois University will help attain them. Additional materials may be requested and used in the decision process. 

Students who have taken college coursework during their high school career need not submit that transcript for admission purposes. However, a final official college transcript will be necessary in order to complete a transfer evaluation and the admission file. If, when the final transcript is received, the cumulative GPA for 9 or more attempted hours college work is below a “C” average their academic status will change from good standing to academic warning.

College-Preparatory English: Four years of English, emphasizing composition, grammar, and literature. As much as one year of the requirement may be satisfied by two semesters in any combination of drama, debate, public speaking, or journalism.

College-Preparatory Mathematics: Three years of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, advanced mathematics, or computer programming.

College-Preparatory Science: Three years of natural sciences (biological, physical, or agricultural), with significant laboratory experiences.

College-Preparatory Social Studies: Three years of social studies, including one year of United States history and/or government.

Electives: Two years of academic or vocational electives.

The University will consider a flexible redistribution for up to three of the 15 units within the subject areas.

Students who graduated from high school or obtained a High School Equivalency Certificate through the General Education Development (GED) Test five or more years prior to entering the University are exempt from course-specific admission requirements. Students who graduated from high school or obtained a High School Equivalency Certificate less than five years prior to entering the University must meet the course-specific admission requirements.

Foreign Language

High school students are encouraged to study a foreign language prior to coming to EIU for two reasons. First, EIU requires that students complete two courses in a single foreign language in order to graduate. High school students who have completed TWO YEARS in a single foreign language with a “C” average or better are exempt from this requirement. Second, high school language study beyond two years gives students potential access to intermediate and upper-division placement in language courses at EIU that can be counted as General Education Humanities credit. In general, students who know a foreign language are better prepared to compete in the global marketplace, giving them an advantage over their non-bilingual peers.

How to Apply: Beginning Freshman Students

All applicants must submit a $30 non-refundable fee with the application. Payment may be made online at the time of application with a credit/debit card. Check or money orders payable to Eastern Illinois University can be mailed to the Office of Admissions.

1. Complete an application for admission online at www.eiu.edu or obtain a paper copy by contacting:

    Office of Admissions
    Eastern Illinois University
    Charleston, IL 61920
    (217) 581-2223

2. A completed application includes the $30 application fee or qualifying waiver, official transcripts sent directly from your school and official ACT/SAT scores, if applicable.

  Test scores are considered official when on an official transcript, the ACT High School Report sent directly from your school or scores sent directly from act.org or collegboard.org for SAT scores.

Special Cases for Beginning Freshman Students

Concurrent High School Enrollment

Students who have completed their sophomore year in a recognized high school may be eligible for concurrent enrollment at EIU. To be considered, students must possess a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and obtain the recommendation of their principal.

In this program, college course enrollment is limited to seven semester hours per semester. Credits earned under this arrangement will be posted to the EIU transcript and may be applied toward graduation requirements at EIU.

Those wishing to continue their enrollment at EIU after graduation from high school must complete the standard freshman admission process.

Graduates of Non-Accredited or Non-Recognized High Schools

“Recognized” is defined to include secondary schools recognized by the Office of the Illinois State Superintendent of Instruction OR accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or one of the five other regional accrediting agencies.

Graduates of high schools which are neither regionally accredited nor recognized may not be considered for admission unless they have passed the General Education Development (GED) Test and obtained a High School Equivalency Certificate, or have scored within the University’s accepted range on the ACT or SAT. For students who have been home schooled and do not present a recognized diploma, the GED requirement may be waived with an acceptable ACT or SAT score as determined by the Office of Admissions. Home-schooled students must also submit a transcript of all courses completed with grades and credits listed for each class. 

Matriculation means to enroll at a university for a degree. Students who seek admission to the University are admitted for a specific academic semester.  A student admitted to a degree program may enroll prior to the semester of matriculation and take courses on a non-matriculated basis. An undergraduate student’s participation in the Guaranteed Tuition Rate Plan will be determined by the semester of matriculation. Courses taken on a non-matriculated basis will be assessed tuition and fees in effect for continuing students at the time of enrollment.

The Gateway Program is a conditional admission program to assist incoming freshmen who have the potential to do college work but who do not meet the regular admissions requirements. 

The University will consider applications from candidates who have an ACT composite standard score of at least 16 and who have a high school cumulative GPA of at least “C” (2.00 on a 4.00) based on six or more semesters. Those who apply test-optional must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 based on six or more semesters to be considered.

In addition to the standard admission materials, applicants will submit requested information for review. The additional materials will provide evidence of the applicant’s academic ability, character, motivation, ability to overcome economic and educational disadvantage, work experience, and other relevant factors. An interview may be required and high school attendance patterns will be considered. Gateway is a limited enrollment program and meeting minimum academic guidelines does not guarantee admission.

Gateway Program students must agree to follow the academic program prescribed by their academic advisor and the general guidelines established for the program as conditions for continuation in the program. Students who fail to comply with program guidelines may be dismissed from the program and the University after a review and appeal process established by the Advisory Committee.

Native Students

The University defines a native student as one whose initial college/university enrollment was as a beginning freshman at EIU.

The University welcomes applications from candidates who have attended one or more other regionally accredited colleges and universities for admission as a transfer student.

To qualify for admission as a transfer student, an applicant must have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 grading scale based on all college-level work attempted, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from the last institution attended. Transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 24 semester hours of college-level work must meet freshmen admission requirements (above).

Any student who falls slightly below the criteria listed above, or had a noticeable change in GPA is strongly encouraged to include a personal statement and letter of recommendation. Students’ personal statements are their opportunity to outline readiness for college and include any personal experiences, responsibilities and/or challenges that have impacted them or their academic achievements. Students may also include their educational goals and how attending Eastern Illinois University will help them attain them.

These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the university.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit official transcripts from all educational institutions previously attended; these include each college or university, as well as the high school from which the applicant graduated. 

Transfer students admitted prior to their last semester at their previous institution will be placed on academic warning if their final cumulative GPA from their previous school falls below a “C” average.

Transfer students in their first semester of college prior to attending Eastern, will be admitted based on satisfying high school requirements and submission of a current college class schedule. If their college GPA then falls below a “C” average, they will be placed on academic warning.

How to Apply: Transfer Students

1. Complete and application for admission on line at www.eiu.edu or obtain a paper copy by contacting:

    Office of Admissions
    Eastern Illinois University
    Charleston, Illinois 61920
    (217) 581-2223

2. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended be sent to the Office of Admissions. This includes both high schools and colleges.

 See Graduate Catalog.

Standard and Conditional Admission for Undergraduate Applicants
Undergraduate international applicants must submit a complete packet of admission materials to the Office of International Students and Scholars. A complete packet for undergraduate applicants includes an international application, an application fee, an approved financial affidavit form, official raised seal transcripts from high school and college (if applicable), and documentation of English mastery. The approved financial affidavit form must verify the applicant’s financial status for study. For undergraduate applicants the raised seal transcript or original copy of national examinations must document completion of secondary education, comparable to that awarded by a United States high school. The high school transcript must also verify that the applicant earned a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official college or university transcripts (if applicable) for each institution previously attended are required to be considered for admission.

Students who attend a foreign university or college and who wish to have their credits considered for transfer to EIU must provide the Office of International Students and Scholars:

1. An official transcript from the institution reflecting all courses attempted and grades received.
2. A professional credential evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). See www.naces.org for a complete list of member agencies.
3. Complete course descriptions for each course to be considered for transfer in English, or translated to English by a certified translator.
4. Other information regarding previous educational experience, as requested.

The Office of International Students & Scholars will work with appropriate academic departments to evaluate credits for transfer when all documentation has been submitted.

English language mastery for undergraduate applicants for admission may be documented in one of the following ways:

1. Submission of a score of 500 or higher on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a score of 61 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL, or a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (academic module).
2. Submission of evidence of residency in a nation whose official language is English.
3. Submission of evidence of successful completion of 24 semester hours of college credit at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
4. Submission of evidence of a Level 112, Certificate of Completion from an ELS Language Center located in the United States.
5. Submission of evidence of successful completion of three years of high school in the United States and an ACT composite standard score of at least 18 (SAT 960).
6. Submission of Completion of Grade Pre-1 on the STEP EIKEN Test.
7. Submission of a score 69 or higher on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
8. Submission of successful completion of two terms (one semester) of English for Academic Purposes 2 (Level 6) from the Center for English as a Second Language program (CESL) at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
9. Submission of Kaplan International Colleges Certificate of Achievement at the Proficiency Level.
10. Submission of successful completion of Level 9 at one of The Language Company centers in the United States
11. Submission of an overall assessment level of 4.5 on the iTEP Academic-Plus examination.

Admission to EIU and an approved financial affidavit form are required in order for the Office of International Students and Scholars to issue SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019. Applicants who meet all of the requirements for admission, but do not meet the criteria for English mastery may be offered Conditional Admission.

Conditional admission may be offered to undergraduate international applicants who meet the criteria for admission to EIU except for English language mastery. Conditional admission is granted only by the Office of International Students and Scholars. Undergraduates with conditional admission status must provide evidence of meeting English language mastery to the Office of International Students and Scholars by submitting a score of 500 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of 61 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL, a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (academic module) or completion of Level 112, Certificate of Completion from an ELS Language Center located in the United States prior to permission to enroll in classes.

(Undergraduates)

A non-matriculated student is one who is not seeking a degree at EIU. The purpose of non-matriculated student enrollment is to facilitate transfer of credit hours to another institution or for non-degree personal/professional development. Non-matriculated students may be enrolled for any semester without having to submit official transcripts. The student is required to complete a Guest Student Application which includes a signed statement certifying that she or he 1) has the necessary academic preparation for the proposed course(s); 2) understands that enrollment as a non-matriculated student does not constitute admission to the University for subsequent semesters; and 3) is aware that credits earned as a non-matriculated student may or may not be applicable to a specific degree program at EIU; and pay a $30 application fee.

Each academic year (fall, spring, summer) a student wishes to enroll as a non-matriculated student, she or he must submit a Guest Student Application which includes a signed certification. Admission as a degree-seeking student requires submission of a regular Application for Admission, a full set of required documents showing admissions standards have been met, and the $30 application processing fee. All Guest Student Applications are considered on a space available basis. Individuals who are otherwise prevented from registering are prohibited from enrolling on a non-matriculated basis. Individuals who have been academically denied admission or continued enrollment during the previous two academic years are similarly prohibited from enrolling on a non-matriculated basis.

Students enrolled on a non-matriculated basis are not eligible for state, or federal financial aid. Institutional aid may be available depending on the criteria of the award.

Students who have never enrolled in any college or university and who have been graduated from an accredited high school for at least five years or who have not attended a college or university in at least five years may be admitted to EIU upon review.

An Application for Admission, an official high school transcript(s), and a letter requesting consideration for conditional admission are required for consideration. These items and any other available supportive material should be sent to the Director of Admissions. The Director will review each application and make a decision based on the applicant’s potential for success at EIU.

Former Undergraduate Students

Former undergraduate students who are academically eligible and wish to return to the University after a lapse of more than one semester (fall or spring) should complete the Returning Student Form at least 10 calendar days prior to the first class day of the term in which they intend to enroll. An earlier closing date may be announced in the public press. The Returning Student Form is found online at http://www.eiu.edu/registra/readmission_form.php and will be directed to the following offices:

• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Office – all Interdisciplinary Studies majors.
• Office of Registrar – all other majors

Undergraduate students who attend college elsewhere after matriculating at EIU must submit official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts for all college work must be received before an undergraduate may be certified for graduation.

Information regarding readmission following academic dismissal and reinstatement following a second academic dismissal is found under the Academic Regulations & Requirements section of this catalog.

Fresh Start Academic Renewal Policy Guidelines

Purpose: To allow students returning to EIU with a gpa below 2.0 to reestablish themselves academically and get back on the path towards completing graduation requirements. Please note that any student considering this option should also explore other opportunities available to them such as repeating courses for which they were previously unsuccessful or seeking a withdrawal from courses where appropriate.

Requirements for this program:

• Your cumulative gpa must be below a 2.0.
• Your last term of attendance at EIU must be at least one year prior to readmission (three full semesters - Fall, Spring, and Summer).
• You must be readmitted through the readmission policies outlined in our catalog including those that pertain to academic dismissal. You must indicate your intent to pursue the Fresh Start program on your readmission application. Your term of re-entry must be a Fall or Spring term. 
• You must be readmitted to the current catalog year.
• This policy is not available for all academic programs.* For any student who chooses to change their academic program to one which does not qualify for the Fresh Start program, their acceptance into the Fresh Start program will be rescinded and they may not apply again in the future.
• You must successfully complete your next 12 hours at EIU with a 2.0 gpa or higher after readmission. This requirement must be met before your cumulative gpa will be reset. If approved, your Fresh Start gpa will begin with your term of re-entry. A notation will be made on your transcript.
• The current academic standing rules still apply after the Fresh Start policy has begun. 
• You may only utilize the fresh start program one time.
• You will not be eligible for a degree with distinction.
• All courses taken and grades earned will appear on the transcript. All hours earned will count toward total hours for graduation.
• You must complete at least an additional 30 hours at EIU after readmission to be eligible for graduation.
• Previous credits and grades earned are still applied toward your degree requirements. You must still meet the minimum gpa requirements for your major, minor, or concentration.
• Gateway students must still follow the guidelines of the Gateway program.
• This policy does not apply to graduate or post baccalaureate students.
• Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress rules continue to apply regardless of the academic renewal approval. Students not meeting GPA and completion rate minimums will still be required to file an appeal each semester. 
• Students are only eligible for the Fresh Start program on their first time being re-admitted after being academically dismissed.
• Students must enroll in EIU 2919 their first semester after readmission.

*All teacher education programs are excluded. Both the RN to BSN and traditional Nursing programs are excluded.

Former Students Who Have Graduated

Former students who have graduated and who return to the University after a lapse of one or more semesters should make application for readmission to the Graduate School at least ten calendar days prior to the first class day of the term in which they intend to enroll. An earlier closing date may be announced in the public press. Students not previously admitted to Graduate School must also apply for admission to the Graduate School.

Illinois State Immunization Compliance 

Illinois Law, Public Act 85-1315 requires all admitted students born on or after January 1, 1957, and enrolled in six or more hours of on campus classes to submit proof of immunity for diphtheria/tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. Compliant immunization records for new students must be received by the Student Health Service by August 1, for new students enrolling in the Fall Semester and December 15, for new students enrolling in the Spring Semester.

Compliant immunization records must be signed and dated by a nurse or physician and must include:

• Provider or nurse’s printed name, address and telephone number
• One DT (diphtheria/tetanus) within the last ten years
• Two MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) after the first birthday

International students must submit proof of three DT’s and two MMR’s. If records are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Registration Procedures

Students at EIU may register themselves through PAWS and may use the Schedule Planner tool to simplify their registration process. Detailed instructions and registration dates can be found at http://www.eiu.edu/registra/registration.php

New Students. Instructions for the registration of new students are given in writing, in conferences, and at meetings during orientation periods.

Students Currently Enrolled. Each student currently enrolled should participate in early registration for the following term. By doing so, the student agrees to complete his/her registration by payment of all tuition and fees. Scheduling for the reservation of space is planned so that graduate students, seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are assigned space in that order.

All students who have not completed early registration for a given term may register during late registration. Students should review the prerequisites for their courses and consult their advisor regarding their planned schedule. The University assumes no responsibility for accepting an ineligible student’s registration. Reservation of a space for any class is subject to the assigned capacity of the class.

Former Students. Students who return to the University after a lapse of one or more semesters receive written instructions for registration procedures after they have applied for readmission.

The primary function of the Office of New Student and Family Programs is to provide incoming undergraduate students the tools to take on the college experience by providing information on academic and social opportunities throughout the university. We provide the essential information for both students and parents to know they are in a safe and caring environment that will bring opportunities for success. Such information includes policy and procedure related to safety, financial aid, housing, policies, academic integrity, and student issues.

Ongoing Orientation programs and transition activities are sponsored by the Office of New Student and Family Programs throughout each semester. Schedules of Orientation activities are provided to new students by mail and are also available on the Web at www.eiu.edu/nsp or by phoning the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (217) 581-6435. 

The academic records for students who have outstanding obligations with the university will be marked “unclear” and have a hold placed on their record. Each student should check with all departments to clear all obligations prior to semester or summer term breaks and/or leaving the University permanently. Official transcripts for any student with an unclear record will be withheld.* A hold on a student’s record may preclude readmission, registration, or the release of a diploma.

*EIU fully supports Public Act 102-0998 The Student Debt Assistance Act, which includes provisions for releasing a transcript for students with a financial hold.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=102-0998