EIU Media Relations

EIU rises in 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings

EIU remains top independent public regional in Illinois; standings solidify EIU’s reputation for affordability, social mobility

(Charleston, IL)  – The 2026 U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rankings affirm Eastern Illinois University's (EIU) growing national reputation, showing significant progress in key areas like value, veteran support, and program quality. EIU's upward movement reinforces its dedication to accessible, high-quality education that consistently produces excellent outcomes for students and their families.

“We celebrate these rankings because they reflect what EIU does for students every day,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “In a landscape where families are making hard choices about affordability, quality, and return on investment, these improved rankings confirm that EIU remains a first-choice option for higher education in the Midwest. We support our students’ entire academic journey—from application and orientation through degree completion and job placement.”

Key Eastern Illinois University USNWR Ranking Highlights for 2026

• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois: EIU remains the #1 independent public regional university in Illinois and continues to be recognized among all top-tier public regional institutions across the 12-state Midwest. The USNWR's Midwest region spans Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 
  
  
• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois for Best Value (Regional Universities – Midwest): EIU claimed the top spot for independent public regional universities in Illinois in USNWR’s Best Value category, while climbing five spots in the 12-state Midwest overall in the same category (public and private).
  
  
• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois for Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Universities – Midwest): EIU is the top-ranked independent public regional university in Illinois and advanced to #24 in the entire 12-state Midwest region (public and private), reinforcing its strength in supporting military-affiliated students.
  
  
• #1 overall Public Regional University for Social Mobility in Illinois: EIU achieved its highest rank ever for social mobility in the State of Illinois (#1) and claimed the #2 Public Regional University spot overall across the entire 12-state Midwest region.
  
  
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs: EIU saw a significant improvement in the rankings for its nursing program—up 70 spots as EIU also celebrates its second consecutive year of its students achieving a 100% NCLEX pass rate.

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) continues to earn national recognition, as evidenced by its strong showing in the 2026 rankings. Beyond the recent USNWR placement, EIU was again named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Society’s Honor Roll for 2025. This designation places EIU in the top 25 percent of institutions nationwide for its support of transfer students completing their bachelor's degrees. Additionally, the university's online Master's degree in Cybersecurity was ranked as the ninth most affordable by MastersInAI.org.

USNWR rankings are a critical benchmark for families comparing colleges on academic quality, cost, and student outcomes. EIU's impressive 2026 results confirm its status as a top regional university of choice in the Midwest, where affordability, quality, and support converge. EIU addresses cost head-on: it remains one of the lowest overall cost-of-attendance universities in Illinois, offers in-state tuition to eligible students from any state, and secures rates with its  Guaranteed Tuition Program for all four undergraduate years. This financial commitment is matched by continuous investment in student success infrastructure—updating advising, mentoring, and retention programs—which directly fuels EIU’s high rankings for upward mobility and enhanced student outcomes.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.

USNWR: LINK HERE