Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University

College Student Affairs

The Master of Science in College Student Affairs is a 36 credit hour online program designed for working professionals who want to work in higher education environments. Coursework aligns with national standards developed through ACPA and NASPA, preparing graduates for leadership roles across colleges and universities.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
College Student Affairs

Request Info: College Student Affairs

We know you have questions about College Student Affairs at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
Fully Online / Hybrid
Time to Degree
6 Semesters
Credit Hours
36 Total, 36 in Major
Careers
Guidance,, Counselors, Advisors, Postsecondary
College Student Affairs students at EIU

Why Study College Student Affairs at EIU?

  • Build practical skills in areas such a student development, academic advising, administrative leadership, and higher education administration
  • Learn through applicable coursework you can use in your current job
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers in almost every industry
"My attention was pulled to EIU by Julia Awalt in Housing and Dining Services when she called me through the OPE portal. After doing more research into the institution and meeting more people here, I knew more and more that this was the place for me. I saw a place where I could not only make a difference but could gain the skills and experience to increase my impact beyond graduation."
Joseph Smith
M.S. College Student Affairs | Class of 2025
Joseph Smith, M.S. College Student Affairs at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Course worked designed to be applied in day-to-day worklife.
Hands-On Experience, College Student Affairs students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.S. in College Student Affairs is a 36-credit-hour online program that gives you a dynamic curriculum for leadership careers in student affairs and higher education. It is a fit if you work or want to work in a college environment, enjoy supporting students and want coursework you can use in your current job.

View in Catalog
$50,367
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Educational, Guidance, & Career…
  • Education Administrators,…

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
17% of lifetime limit

$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dianne Timm
Chair, School of Human Development
dtimm@eiu.edu
2109 Buzzard Hall
217-581-5327
Dianne Timm Message Dianne

Message Dianne

or email dtimm@eiu.edu directly
Jon Coleman
Senior Instructor & Graduate Coordinator for Counseling & Higher Education
jkcoleman@eiu.edu
2105
217-581-2400
Jon Coleman Message Jon

Message Jon

or email jkcoleman@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Music Performance: Music Composition
Undergraduate Option • B.Mus.
Journalism
Major • B.A. • Minor
Economics
Major • B.A. • Minor
Health Sciences Generalist
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
Geosciences: Human Geography
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
Physical Education for Teacher Licensure
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
English: Literary & Cultural Studies
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
Dramatic Writing
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
Career & Technical Education: Business
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →