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Higher Education & Community College

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. Students build practical skills in areas such a student development, academic advising, administrative leadership, and higher education administration.

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Higher Education & Community College

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
36 Total, 36 in Major
Careers
Managers, Guidance,, Counselors, Advisors, Postsecondary
Higher Education & Community College students at EIU

Why Study Higher Education & Community College at EIU?

  • Learn through applicable coursework you can use in your current job.
  • Build real-world networks in and out of the classroom that support your learning.
  • Prepare to advance your knowledge and experience in a variety of different ways.
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences.
  • Real-world based coursework
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Higher Education & Community College students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.S. is College student affairs is designed to provide students with a dynamic curriculum for students interested in leadership careers in the field of student affairs and higher education. The program provides a strong foundation for knowledge and skills development needed for effective administration, efficient use of technology, and humanistic support of undergraduate and graduate education.

View in Catalog
$60,000
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Administrative Services Managers
  • Educational, Guidance, & Career…
  • Education Administrators,…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

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, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

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.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
17% of lifetime limit

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

Connect With Us

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

Message Jon

or email jkcoleman@eiu.edu directly
Dianne Timm
Chair, School of Human Development
dtimm@eiu.edu
2109
217-581-5327
Dianne Timm Message Dianne

Message Dianne

or email dtimm@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

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