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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.

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College Student Affairs

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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
"I chose to attend EIU because I was familiar with a few professors, my brother-in-law went there, and it was affordable."
Justin Richards
College Student Affairs | Class of 2025
Justin Richards, 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 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

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

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
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

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

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