First semester at Eastern and Dr. Stowell and Dr. Maniotes decided that they weren't just teachers- they were advocates for their students. Do you know how intimidating it is to enter a school like Eastern? Let me tell you that there are teachers like those two who literally do anything to help a student be successful. It isn't their job to direct you to the writing center, help you with your major requirements, or overlook your 12 page paper before you turn it in. However, they do their best to make their students successful. If you tell them, "hey. I don't know what I am doing", they send you somewhere that can help you figure it out if they don't personally add it to their workloads. My other teachers are also good at making sure their classes have appropriate work that is applicable to what a student should know at that point in the course. I have nothing bad to say about Eastern other than my pre- entry anxiety. Thanks, Eastern, for being a great school to attend. ​ read more

Here for a Graduation Ceremony. I have also been here for a number of track meets s as well. Small, older local university with a few well known graduates. The campus seems to be aging but is still in good shape. The ceremony was nice and the track meets were handled adequately. I have a few nieces and nephews who got degrees here and they seemed to enjoy it. read more

Attended a graduation event here. What a great school. Drive up from Chicago and the staff here are always welcoming and the kids that go to school here are always respectful. See you next year read more

Avoid the online psychology program at all costs. Eastern is an outright terrible school to attend online. Maybe this is just the psychology program, because when I took a philosophy elective, there were video lectures and other resources provided, but my experience with psych classes has been unimaginably terrible. In most of my classes, there are no resources provided outside of the textbook. Students are given assignments or worksheets and are expected to figure it out for themselves. There are seldom video or lecture materials. Professors are far from supportive. When I reach out to professors because I am struggling with material due to lack of instruction, and explain that I struggle with book learning, they will call me lazy, and/or refer me to the department for students with disabilities and tell me it is not their problem. I have learned nothing at Eastern, but by BSing my way through assignments, I have a 4.0 GPA. Or... I HAD... a 4.0 GPA, until I started to try to fulfill the math requirement. Math is not a subject that you can BS your way through and pass without any instruction. The professors will hand out insanely complicated math worksheets that look like hieroglyphics with no video lectures, no explanation, just "You're a college student. Figure it out." I have a math-specific learning disability and a chronic illness that puts me out of commission for weeks at a time. When I spoke with EIU's department for students with disabilities, they told me there is nothing they can do for me, despite that I have had accommodations at my 2-year college as well as in high school, because I am an online student. I'm pretty sure it's illegal for an educational institution to refuse to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled students, but that's EIU. Professors often refuse to engage with you in zoom meetings or during office hours. I have had one report me to some sort of office of student conduct or disciplinary office for telling her that I need help. I have been accused of being lazy for struggling with assignments. These professors do not want to do any work at all, and they make that very clear. Let me reiterate that I maintained a 4.0 GPA, despite all of this. I am not lazy, and I am not a bad student. They are terrible teachers. I have spoken with academic advisors at the school and have learned that many online psych majors are stuck in the program because they cannot pass the math requirements. When I asked why they aren't doing anything about it, the response I got was that Eastern has other majors so they don't care. I am technically a senior. If I were to choose a different major, I could graduate in one more semester. I may actually need to do that, because it will take me at least four more semesters to complete a psychology degree at EIU. Also, even though the psychology degree is 100% attainable online, many of the electives are not offered online. There is close to zero focus on things like psychotherapy and mental illness. The degree does nothing to prepare you for a career in the mental health field, but if you want to be a researcher, they have you covered if you can teach yourself all of the material with no assistance from professors. Online students pay tuition, the same as on campus students. We don't deserve to be treated like second class citizens. read more

I did my graduate work here, and I was very grateful to have had a graduate assistantship that covered my tuition. While I was apprehensive at the rural nature of the campus (i.e. there was a John Deere dealership right down the street), once I got used to it and made friends, I really enjoyed my time here. I also spent the summer between my first and second year interning in NYC, so that broke up the monotony a little bit. I made some life-long friendships here and I felt that the quality of my education was stellar. Much like my undergrad institution, the faculty and staff really cared. I'm still in touch with the Director of my program (MS Counseling & Student Development, with a concentration in College Student Affairs). "Doc" is now retired, but is still very active in keeping up with each of his students. I thought the campus was pretty. The "castle" building in the center of campus (Old Main) was beautiful and iconic. The campus is not close to anything, but is situationed between Chicago, Indy, and St. Louis, and was not a bad drive to any of the three. I am feeling very grateful for my education. Thank you for the opportunity, EIU. Go Panthers! read more

Not a fan of the amenities. Huge let down coming from such a highly acclaimed university. Getting a degree here in anything other than jazz studies is just a fancy means of throwing a couple grand down the crapper. I highly recommend other nearby universities such as the university if Illinois in Champaign Urbana/ Springfield or southern Illinois university. read more

I am an alumni of EIU! It is an outstanding university! I have attended two other colleges as well, SIUE and Lake Land Community College, but both pale in comparison to how well organized this university is. The students know exactly what is expected from them to graduate. The online interface to select courses is by far the most user friendly I have seen. The staff and professors go above and beyond. The smaller class sizes help the students feel more at home in regards to asking questions. I was constantly visiting my professors in their offices, during their office hours and playing my luck when they did not have office hours but were in their office. Almost every time they were willing to drop what they were doing to help me learn if my questions were quick! After all isn't that what getting an education is about? The library always has the air conditioning on full blast on the hot summer days and is my favorite place to study. I personally explored every hall of every building and learned where all the bathrooms were at lol. You never know when you have to go. They have a great exercise facility and an indoor field house for winter running. The food on campus is great! Lots of healthy options! If your looking for a great university, look no further and make EIU your new home! read more

I come to the university every year for a band festival. It is a nice place and the new music building is awesome! There are some great spots around campus to sit and relax. The food court is also pretty good. There is a Subway, Chik-fil-A and other individual items. The castle in the front of campus is pretty awesome! read more