EIU Media Relations

Eastern Illinois University earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools® Silver Designation

University upholds its longtime commitment and advocacy for military programming, veterans & spouses

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Designation, having been recognized as a Silver-level School in the organization’s current designation cycle.

“As a military veteran myself, I am thrilled that Eastern Illinois University has again been recognized for its commitment to veterans and service members,” said EIU Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman. “EIU is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of all our students, and that certainly includes those who have worn the uniform in service to our country and in support of our East Central Illinois communities.”

EIU provides comprehensive support services for veterans and active-duty personnel, including a dedicated Military Student Assistance Center. EIU features a long-standing Army ROTC program, Panther Battalion, offering military science minors and commissioning opportunities. EIU offers flexible academic options, including credit for military training, and fee waivers to support its military community.

Other military-friendly options at EIU are available for active-duty and veteran military members as well:

• EIU’s Military Support Program includes a Military Tuition Assistance Waiver Program. Built with service members in mind, the program helps to advance active-duty military members’ education through affordable, flexible, online instruction. Designed for those who serve, the program waives all mandatory fees and tuition expenses exceeding the Department of Defense's maximum approved tuition rate, all while offering personalized program support from start to finish.
• The Students & Veterans of Eastern (SVE) is a new program at EIU that promotes the general welfare of military service students and their families who are enrolled or intend to enroll at EIU. The organization seeks to raise awareness of military service, provide support opportunities on and off campus, and develop activities that foster a greater cultural understanding of military service members within and beyond the campus community. Norman is an SVE advisor along with Dr. Wade Smith, assistant professor in EIU’s Sociology, Anthropology, & Criminology program. 
• EIU also offers a broad assortment of scholarships that support future and past service members.

Higher education institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 entities participated in the Military Friendly® survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by consultation with the Military Friendly®, in Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. EIU’s Silver-level status recognizes Eastern for its strong, above-average commitment to veterans and military families in hiring, retention, and support. 

According to militaryfriendly.com, earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. It represents both an open door policy for veterans and military spouses, and the creation of sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact having a transformative influence that embodies a moral imperative and sets a standard for educational excellence.

Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Results of the organization’s annual survey are produced via a rules-based algorithm; the data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at militaryfriendly.com.

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.