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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
"There was a moment I did not think I would go to college because of hurdles I was facing during that time, but my admissions counselor helped me out so much during undergraduate that they made it easier and more comfortable to continue my application process, and EIU was the best decision for me. Now after graduating with my bachelor's I decided to stay to get my master's in science for College Student Affairs because as I continued my education here, I knew I wanted to give back. ... And from the support I had received from some incredibly special student affairs staff here, I believe in paying forward that love and community by making sure the doors I am opening/going through allow for others to follow alongside me."
Luis Paniagua
M.S, College Student Affairs | Class of 2025
Luis Paniagua, M.S, 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. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

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. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
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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