At $14,093/yr net price, Eastern Illinois University graduates earn $51,989/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,989/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,093 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,989/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,989/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,412/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,774/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,371/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,132/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,672/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,176 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,350 | $17,123 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,386 | $25,546 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,894 | $39,565 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $22,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,677 | $22,229 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $47,260 | $20,226 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,673 | $15,478 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,673 |
The Risk Factor
45.2% of students at Eastern Illinois University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Eastern Illinois University gives you a moderate financial return with real risk attached to whether you finish. At around $14,000 a year net and a median debt of $21,500 at graduation, the cost is reasonable for a public school. The problem is the 45% graduation rate and 70% retention. If you leave with debt and no degree, none of the earnings numbers apply to you, and that's the outcome for more than half the students who enroll.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. At roughly $70,000 ten years out, it clears the school's overall median by nearly $18,000 and is worth far more than the debt load attached to other programs. Industrial Production Technologies and Accounting land around $50,000, right at the school median, with about $22,000 in debt each. Finance stands out for a different reason: similar pay to accounting but the lowest debt of any top program listed, under $16,000, which makes it one of the safer bets. Computer and Information Sciences is the weak spot among the top earners, paying under $44,000 while carrying the same $21,500 debt.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $10,000 a year. Above $75,000, the price jumps to roughly $19,000, and over $110,000 it hits nearly $22,000, so wealthier families lose most of the discount that makes EIU attractive.
This school fits you if you enroll in nursing, accounting, or finance and are confident you'll finish. If you're undecided, prone to dropping out, or drawn to the computer science program, look harder at the numbers before committing, because the return depends entirely on graduating in a field that pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Illinois University worth the cost?
Eastern Illinois University offers reasonable value with a net price of $14,093 and typical graduates earning $51,989 after 10 years. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Eastern Illinois University?
Nursing programs at Eastern Illinois University lead to the highest earnings at around $70,000 annually, followed by industrial production technology at $61,000. Business and education majors typically earn in the mid-50s, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance.
How much student debt do Eastern Illinois University graduates have?
Eastern Illinois University graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. With typical starting salaries around $52,000, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does Eastern Illinois University have a good graduation rate?
Eastern Illinois University's 45% graduation rate is below average and represents a significant risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish their degree, leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it.