EIU Media Relations

EIU Commits to College Affordability with 'Zero Percent' Rate Increases

Citing continued commitment to college affordability and accessibility to higher education, Eastern Illinois University’s Board of Trustees on Friday voted not to raise room and board rates -- or tuition rates -- for the 2014-2015 school year.

Noting that Eastern has consistently been the best value among Illinois public universities, Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, said he was “very pleased and very proud” that the university was able to offer a "0 percent" increase in rates.

According to Nadler, this will be the first time since the 1992-93 school year that tuition rates have remained constant.  And it’s the first time on record (nearly 40 years) that  a year has gone by without increases in room and board rates, he said.

Voicing his pleasure over the Board’s decision, EIU President William Perry added that the university “was still mindful of providing a quality education.”

Students living in EIU’s residence halls and Greek Court will continue to range from $4,150 per semester for the 7 Meal Plan Option to $4,679 for the 15 Meal Plan Option.

Students living in one of the 148 units at University Apartments (designed primarily to meet the needs of student families and single graduate students) will see monthly rents ranging from $448 to $503, depending on the type of apartment being rented (one-bedroom, efficiency or super efficiency).  All utilities are included in the rent price.

Residents of University Court, a 146-unit university-owned apartment complex for sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students, will continue to see rates ranging from $2,412 to $3,225 per semester, depending on the type of apartment being rented.

EIU’s resident tuition rate will remain at $283 per semester credit hour for students entering the university during the 2014-2015 school year.  This means that those with an average 15-course academic load will pay $4,245 per semester.

Additionally, incoming resident students will be able to lock in the new tuition rate for four continuous academic years, as provided by the state’s “Truth in Tuition” Law.