EIU Media Relations

EIU placement rates rank highest among State universities

NACE data positions EIU as top choice in Illinois for connecting students with careers, advanced education opportunities

(Charleston, IL) – For Illinois students and families weighing their college options, recent statewide data offers encouraging insight into what happens after graduation at Eastern Illinois University.

In the most recent report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), EIU recorded a 91.2 percent placement rate for its graduates, meaning more than nine out of ten students were employed or enrolled in further education within six months of earning their bachelor’s degrees.

Also according to that data from NACE, issued for 2024, EIU’s placement rate ranks the highest among public universities in the state of Illinois and is more than four percentage points above the national average.

“This is a remarkable achievement by EIU and a testament to our deep dedication to our students,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management at EIU Josh Noman. “A large part of EIU’s success is defined by its exceptional outcomes. EIU students and their families can be assured that EIU graduates are leaving our campus prepared, credentialed, and ready to thrive in their careers and communities.”

The NACE placement rate reflects outcomes that matter most to students and families: whether graduates are successfully transitioning into careers or continuing their education. The 2024 report is based on survey data collected from the previous year’s graduating class, following nationally recognized standards for measuring post-graduate success. The 2025 update will be available in the upcoming year.

Bobbi Kingery, Director of Career Services at EIU, says Eastern’s all-in commitment to student success and outcomes is a cornerstone of the EIU experience. “Students’ preparation for post-graduate success is evident through our career outcome data,” Kingery said. “EIU’s career placement rate as defined by NACE consistently exceeds the national average thanks to the robust support services EIU provides. That includes assistance inside and outside of the classroom, across campus, and even beyond their time at EIU.”

“The students and alumni of EIU have so much to contribute, including excellent academic preparation, a strong work ethic and a desire to be successful,” Kingery added. “EIU’s Career Services Department is committed to providing innovative centralized career development and experiential learning services to students and alumni that enrich career readiness and economic viability in our region, throughout the State of Illinois, and across larger national and global societies.”

Eastern Illinois University emphasizes personalized learning, close faculty mentorship, and accessible academic and career support—elements that many students and families identify as key factors in making a confident college choice. Prospective students and families can learn more about EIU Admissions at eiu.edu/admissions.

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.