You Can Afford EIU
A college education is a tremendous investment in your future, and Eastern Illinois University allows you to maximize your return on that investment. While we take pride in the quality education we offer at an affordable price, we also understand that any college choice is a major financial decision — one of the biggest you'll make in your life.
With that in mind, it's important you know we're here to help. Our Office of Financial Aid is a wonderful resource for aiding students in planning and managing the cost of their studies. We're dedicated to helping our students find and apply for any available scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and loans. In fact, the 2009-10 academic year saw $118 million in student financial aid processed at EIU.
Another way EIU makes itself affordable is through its Textbook Rental Service. This program, which allows you to rent your books rather than buy them, saves the average EIU student $600-$800 annually.
Also, make sure you read about our Guaranteed Tuition Rate Plan and special in-state rates for residents of states bordering Illinois.
For the 2011-12 Academic Year
In the table below, you can see an approximate breakdown of just how affordable we've made it to spend a year at EIU. This breakdown is based on two 15-credit hour semesters of enrollment paired with the 12-plus meal option.
| In-State* | Out-Of-State* | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,070 | $ 24,210 |
| Textbook Rental Fee | $ 298 | $ 298 |
| Program/Services Fees | $ 2,165 | $ 2,165 |
| Room and Board | $ 8,542 | $ 8,542 |
| Total | $ 19,075 | $ 35,215 |
* Tuition Rates for Bordering States — For the Fall 2011 semester and beyond, new undergraduate students seeking admission from the bordering states of Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin will be billed at the in-state tuition rate.
* Distinguished Out-of-State Student Rate — EIU recognizes academically outstanding new freshmen with this special tuition rate. New out-of-state, first-time freshmen meeting certain academic criteria will receive a tuition rate which is 1.0 times the current in-state tuition rate. These standards are: a minimum 26 ACT composite (1760 new SAT combined score) with a 3.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale.
Guaranteed Tuition Rates
The Guaranteed Tuition Rate Plan maintains your first-year tuition rate at EIU for four continuous academic years. Even if tuition costs should happen to rise during your time at Eastern, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're locked into your original, lower rate. This plan applies to tuition only; all other expenses, including fees and room and board, are not covered.
EIU Scholarship Search
Our online scholarship search is an excellent resource for students looking for information on all the awards available at EIU. There are currently 475 scholarships listed, and the database is regularly updated and constantly growing.
You may also find the following links useful in your scholarship search:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Every year, many EIU students receive financial aid via completion of the FAFSA. This application puts you into consideration for state and federal programs, including federal work-study programs and student loans. Eastern's priority deadline for filing is March 1.
