EIU Office of Admissions

Applying for Aid

Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid. Incoming freshmen should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA, which can be completed online, is regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Eastern’s school code is 001674; make sure you list us as your first choice!

FAFSAs are accepted beginning Jan. 1 of each year for the upcoming academic year, and aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For that reason, make sure you apply as soon as possible! You don’t want to miss out on your chance to receive the aid for which you qualify.

By listing a college or university within the state of Illinois, any resident of Illinois will have state aid eligibility computed. The information from the processed FAFSA will be electronically transmitted to the school you’ve listed.

If you are an Illinois resident who isn’t otherwise eligible for federal financial aid, you can submit the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.