EIU Media Relations

EIU reports Spring 2026 enrollment momentum in priority growth areas aligned with Plan 2028

10th-day census highlights strong gains in domestic first-year, transfer, dual credit, and student success outcomes

(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University’s Spring 2026 enrollment data reflect continued progress in key student populations and academic areas aligned with the University’s Plan 2028 strategic framework, reinforcing EIU’s focus on access, pathways, and student success.

Domestic first-year enrollment increased by 45% from Spring 2025 to Spring 2026, signaling strong interest among Illinois and regional students in EIU’s accessible, career-focused academic programs. New undergraduate transfer enrollment rose by 19%, with gains across both community college and four-year institution transfers, reinforcing EIU’s role as a destination institution for students seeking clear and efficient pathways to degree completion. Dual credit enrollment also increased by 5%, strengthening early college access and reinforcing EIU’s high school partnership and pipeline development efforts.

Enrollment gains were also concentrated in high-demand academic disciplines tied to workforce preparation and academic strength. The five departments experiencing the largest increase in new student enrollment, all exceeding 30% spring-to-spring growth — were the School of Business, Nursing, the School of Technology, Psychology, and Biology. In addition, full-time student credit hours increased by 0.5% this Spring, reflecting sustained academic engagement across campus. 

“These trends affirm that EIU’s academic investments are aligned with student interests and workforce needs,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “They also reflect the University’s commitment to delivering high-quality programs that support student achievement and long-term personal and professional success.”

“EIU’s intentional focus on student access and success is resonating,” added Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman. “Seeing meaningful growth in these populations and pathways align closely with EIU’s mission and the University’s Plan 2028 priorities.”

Those priorities, in part, include a redoubled focus on academic support and retention. Examples of student-facing resources include EIU’s First-Gen Hub, which provides academic resources and engagement opportunities to first-generation students by connecting learners and leaders across divisions, and the  Academic Support Center, which provides tutoring, individualized consultations, and workshops on study skills, time management, and test-taking. The upcoming launch of Navigate 360—a system providing holistic early alerts—also will allow EIU to offer immediate academic support to students demonstrating additional need. 

Already, EIU has seen gains in student persistence and engagement. First-year retention from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 increased by nearly 2% compared to the previous year. Students participating in EIU’s newly enhanced PACK (Pathways to Achievement, Confidence and Knowledge) program experienced a 6.9% increase in retention. Participants in EIU Connections programs showed additional positive outcomes, with first-year students meeting with mentors retaining at rates 2% higher than the cohort average, and transfer students showing a 4% increase over their respective cohort averages. These jumps, Norman said, highlight the vital impact of EIU’s targeted support strategies.

“Interpreting all this data comprehensively, we know students are excited about and want to attend EIU,” Norman said. “We also know affordability plays a big part in their college decision, so continuing to complete EIU’s financial aid packaging as early as possible is critical to ensuring prospective students and their families have accurate, timely information well ahead of the May 1 National Decision Day.” 

Early indicators suggest ongoing momentum for Fall 2026 enrollment at EIU. Norman noted that first-year applications are up 24%, FAFSA submissions have increased by 13%, and that EIU campus visits are up 10%. Another encouraging statistic is that returning graduate student applications rose by 35% from Spring 2025 to Spring 2026, positioning the University for potential graduate enrollment growth in Fall 2026, when graduate-level cohorts traditionally begin.

“Our focus is on intentional and meaningful growth,” Norman shared. “By reducing barriers and increasing awareness, we are reaching students earlier and more intentionally, and they should know EIU is fully prepared to support every student who sees Eastern Illinois University as a good fit individually, academically, or economically.” 

That preparedness comes from the University’s adherence to Plan 2028, EIU’s strategic blueprint focusing on incremental growth and student success. The plan encompasses 14 strategic initiatives and 35 intentional activities aimed at enhancing enrollment, student outcomes, academic innovation, and community engagement. This comprehensive approach ensures that EIU remains focused on every aspect of the student experience, from first-contact recruitment initiatives to career outcomes.

According to EIU’s official Spring 2026 10th-day census, total enrollment remained stable at 8,013 students, indicating a small-to-negligible 2% decrease compared to Spring 2025. This change reflects a combination of factors, including a 56% spring-over-spring decrease in international student enrollment, alongside substantial growth in several domestic student populations that remain central to EIU’s long-term enrollment strategy.

In his Spring Update to campus January 27, Gatrell indicated that smaller pools of recent high school graduates and international student declines are broad, national challenges, and that Eastern Illinois University remains focused on the type of strategic, measured growth that will benefit its students and strengthen an EIU-State of Illinois alliance that provides more than $371M in economic output, over 4,500 regional jobs, and $53M in annual public revenue.

“I am incredibly grateful that EIU’s reputation for excellence—coupled with the incredible work of our Admissions team—continues to strengthen EIU’s appeal for students across the region and State,” he said. “Eastern’s targeted enrollment gains in Spring 2026 confirm EIU is deeply invested in student success across every background and pathway, The growth we’re seeing among first-time, transfer, first-generation, and high-achieving students affirms EIU’s mission and direction.”

The 10th-day census remains the official enrollment benchmark for public higher education institutions across Illinois.