Frequently Asked Questions

What is EIU4?  EIU4 is a free graduation incentive program available to first-time, full-time freshmen who would like to complete their degrees in four years (or less). 

Why should I be concerned about timely degree completion?  Nationwide, only about one in four college students complete a degree in four years. Increased time-to-degree costs you additional tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Who is eligible for EIU4?  First-time, full-time freshmen who are regularly admitted and ready to declare an eligible major may participate in EIU4. Currently, Presidential admits are not included in the EIU4 guarantee. In addition, those students who are unable to complete ¼ of their course requirements in one academic year because of deficiencies in high school course work or ACT scores are not eligible for EIU4. However, undeclared students able to declare a major by May 1 of their freshman year are eligible for EIU4.

EIU4's general eligibility policies are available here.

What majors are eligible?  All majors are eligible for EIU4, except: All teacher education programs, athletic training, environmental biology, clinical laboratory science, and the engineering and nursing cooperatives.

If you have changed to an eligible major from an ineligible major you must apply to EIU4 your freshman year to be considered for the four-year guarantee. You can apply online here.

What are the benefits of EIU4?

• A four-year graduation guarantee as long as you remain eligible for the program.
• Reminders of important dates sent to your email.
• Assistance in securing seats in closed courses you require to stay on track for a four-year degree.
• Access to EIU4 in WebCT, with its resources designed to help you graduate on time.
• Additional monitoring of your progress and notification of problems, before it’s too late.

How will I know if the university is going to extend me a four-year graduation guarantee?  You will be notified via mail if the university extends you a four-year guarantee. Normally, this will occur within the first few weeks of the Fall semester of your freshman year.

If you have changed to an eligible major from an ineligible major you must apply to EIU4 your freshman year to be considered for the four-year guarantee. You can apply online here.

What if I want to change my major or add an option or minor?  Contact the EIU4 Coordinator prior to making the change. He will consult with your academic advisor and department chair to determine whether the change affects your eligibility under EIU4.

What happens if I become ineligible while enrolled in EIU4?  Once enrolled, if you become ineligible for EIU4 (either by altering your program of study or failing to meet one or more of the student responsibilities), you simply give up the four-year graduation guarantee. You face no penalties for being unable to complete the program. However, the total cost of your degree--including your tuition rate--will increase if it takes you longer than four years to earn it.

Is this the same as the four-year guaranteed tuition?  No. Eastern automatically fixes tuition for all new undergraduate Illinois resident students for four continuous academic years at the rate for the first semester at EIU. However, students who complete their responsibilities for EIU4 can more accurately estimate their expenses and ensure that they will graduate before their tuition increases with the addition of a four-year graduation guarantee from EIU4.

What if I want to drop a class?  Contact your academic advisor and the EIU4 Coordinator to determine whether dropping a course will affect your ability to complete a degree in four years and your eligibility for EIU4. You are permitted to fall up to 3 hours behind and still remain eligible, but you must make up the hours prior to graduation.

What are the "bottom line" costs of prolonged education?  For the 2008-2009 academic year, the total educational cost (including tuition, fees, and room and board) for a full-time Illinois resident taking 15 hours at EIU and living on-campus under the 15-meal option is $16,370. For students who remain in school longer than eight semesters, these costs represent a substantial expense. In addition, if you take longer than necessary to graduate, you sacrifice income you could be earning.

What about AP credit, CLEP credit, summer school, and transfer work?  EIU4 students may apply AP credit and CLEP credit toward degree requirements. In addition, summer school credit is accepted and encouraged. Summer semesters are not included as one of the eight semesters in the EIU4 degree plan, so they do not reduce your eligibility for the program. If you plan to transfer courses from other institutions, please consult the Office of Transfer Relations to determine course equivalents and transferability. PAWS transfer degree audits also will assist you in determining how courses will transfer to EIU.

What are my major responsibilities to remain eligible for the four-year guarantee?

• Make and keep appointments with your academic advisor every semester in order to plan the next semester’s courses and register within two days of your assigned registration period.
• Regularly monitor your degree progress by accessing your online degree audit via PAWS.
• Meet the GPA requirements and graduation requirements of your major and of the University.
• Complete at least ¼ of your program requirements each academic year. You must complete 30 hours each year. Generally this is done by completing at least 15 hours each semester.
• See the Student Responsibilities for a complete listing of your responsibilities to remain eligible.

What if I do not want to graduate in four years?  Participation in EIU4 is voluntary. You may decline the four-year guarantee once offered or withdraw from EIU4 at any time if your plans change. An online withdrawal form can be accessed here.