Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations, and Rankings

Eastern Illinois University is a public university situated in Charleston, Illinois. It was established in 1895 as a teacher college that offered a two-year degree. The school began its classes in 1899 and had only 125 students and an 18-member faculty. Over time, it expanded into a comprehensive university offering a broad curriculum. Today Eastern Illinois University has roughly 7,800 students who are doing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in education, business, arts, sciences, and humanities. As per the US News & World Report 2020 college ranking system, EIU is ranked a regional public university. In the publication's 2019 rankings, EIU ranks No. 5 in its region. The University also enjoys accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and the National Council for Teacher Education.

Infrastructure, Campus, and Courses

Old Main is the first building of the campus, which was finished in 1899, although it is formally named the Livingston C. Lord Administration Building to honour the first president of the university.

This university offers 51 undergraduate degree programmes; 32 graduate degree programmes; and 10 post-baccalaureate certificate programmes. It has four main divisions: Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education, Health and Human Services. There are two other academic divisions too - The Graduate School named Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College and the School of Continuing Education. The Graduate School serves multiple students who are taught by more than 300 faculty members. 

Accomplishments & Alumni 

The University is proud to have its alumni serving the world in various fields such as politics, entertainment, academics, various notable sports, science, etc. EIU daily newspaper ‘The Daily Eastern News’ was founded on Nov. 5, 1915. EIU is one of the smallest universities in the country that has its daily newspaper. Sean Payton who coached the New Orleans Saints is an alumnus of Eastern Illinois. Brad Childress, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010, is also a graduate from EIU. Tony Romo, the former starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jimmy Garoppolo, starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, are alumni of the University.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

The student to faculty ratio of the University is 14:1. Eastern Illinois University sees students of various ethnicity and age. The University was home to about 378 international students (5.4% of the student body) in 2018, making it one of the popular colleges by international students. There are many student organisations on the campus such as religious, multicultural, service, academic, Greek, honourary, governing, social, athletic and political. Approximately, 88% of graduates find work in a field related to their major within six months after their graduation. Top organisations that hire students in the area are Cognizant, Nestlé Waters, Gartner, Unilever, Robert Half.