First-Year Automatic Merit Scholarships

Academically talented students entering Eastern Illinois University will automatically be offered a Merit Scholarships up to $16,000 ($4,000 annually) at the time of application to the University. This scholarship is automatically renewable for a total of 4 years (8 semesters).

Textbook Rental Grant

If you are an Illinois resident and you have a minimum of a 3.3/4.0 GPA, you will receive an additional $300 per year over 4 years.

Panther Promise Tuition Waiver

Students who file a FAFSA and have a household income between $55,000 and $100,000 can be awarded up to $2,500 a year for up to four years.

EIU Promise

EIU Promise can significantly reduce – and in some cases completely eliminate – tuition and fees for qualified Illinois students. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning that it covers any tuition or fees remaining after other scholarships and awards have been applied.

Local Scholars

If you reside in an Illinois county that is within a 50-mile radius of EIU, this program can significantly reduce – and in some cases completely eliminate – tuition and fees for qualified residents. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning that it covers the average tuition or fees budget remaining after other scholarships and awards have been applied.

Honors Scholarships

The Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College offers several competitive scholarship opportunities to academically talented students.

Student Success & Engagement Award

Students who do not meet the GPA requirements for the Automatic Merit Scholarships but showcase leadership and involvement can receive $4,000 ($1,000 annually).

Legacy Scholarships

Did one of your parents or grandparents attend EIU? You may qualify for a Legacy scholarship!

EIU Cost Match Program

EIU will match the out-of-pocket cost of attendance of any regionally accredited public university in the U.S. outside Illinois. To qualify, Illinois students can submit their Financial Aid Award letters from qualifying institutions.

Departmental / Other Scholarships

Some scholarships and grants are automatically offered when you are admitted, but many more are listed in our Academic Works scholarship search system! The system will automatically match you to eligible scholarships. Once you are admitted, just visit Academic Works, sign in with your EIU netid and password, then fill out the general application.