National Scholarships and Fellowships

Eastern Illinois University offers students the opportunity to compete for their choice of ten major national scholarships and fellowships. Campus-level competition is open to all current students and recent alumni who possess exemplary academic, service, and leadership records and meet set eligibility criteria.

In order to plan for competition, interested students should schedule informational appointments with designated campus representatives as early in their academic careers as possible.

Unless otherwise indicated, please contact Ms. Sara M. Schmidt (smschmidt@eiu.edu), the campus representative, or advisor, for the various scholarships and fellowships.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship assists with the academic development of future natural scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by offering one- and two-year scholarships to upperclassmen seeking careers in these fields.

Students apply as sophomores or juniors, for funding to apply toward junior and/or senior year tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Awards are granted based largely upon prior scholastic performance and potential to persist and flourish within the career track of choice.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Home Page

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is designed to give recent B.A./B.S. graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. The goal of the program is to “increase mutual understanding by the people of the United States and the people of other countries” by promoting greater awareness of diverse political, economic, and cultural ideas, systems and institutions.

Fulbright Scholars may complete university coursework in a scholarly discipline, undertake independent academic research projects, pursue practical training in the creative/performing arts or writing/journalism, complete coursework and internships in business, or serve as English teaching assistants. Grants are awarded based largely upon the perceived merit and feasibility of the proposed study or research and the potential of the applicant to complete the proposed study or research.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program Home Page

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships fund advanced study and research leading to the completion of a Ph.D., M.Sc., M.Litt., M.B. B.Chir., or one-year post-graduate course at the University of Cambridge. Students apply as seniors, both to the Gates Cambridge Trust and to the University of Cambridge itself.

The Gates Cambridge Trust selects as its Scholars those applicants whose excellence in service, leadership, and academics is matched only by the strength of their commitment to the improvement of society through innovations in health care, education, and other human services areas. Across fields and specialties, Gates Cambridge Scholars plan professional lives dedicated to reducing the kinds of inequities that perpetuate cycles of need.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships Home Page

Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award

The Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award provides up to $50,000 per year for up to three years of full-time study leading to a first graduate degree in the visual arts, performing arts, or creative writing.  The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation seeks to support the development of practicing artists who wish to use their art to deeply, positively impact society.  The Foundation stresses that candidates not only be talented artists, but also be top academic performers with strong community service backgrounds and significant unmet financial need.

Candidates apply as seniors, or within five years of having completed their undergraduate degrees.

The Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award Home Page

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship funds one year of postgraduate study, in any discipline, at a university in Ireland. Students apply as seniors.

All candidates for the George J. Mitchell Scholarship are top academic performers dedicated to providing lifelong service and leadership to their local and global communities. Candidates selected as Mitchell Scholars are expected to not only excel in their studies abroad, but also connect deeply and meaningfully with the Irish people and their culture.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship Home Page

James Madison Graduate Fellowship

James Madison Fellows pursue full-time graduate study, ultimately earning one of the following degrees: an M.A. in American history or political science; an M.A.T. with an American Constitutional history, American government, political institutions, or political theory concentration; an M.Ed., M.A.Ed., or M.S.Ed. with an American history or American government, political institutions, or political theory concentration.

Fellows are selected from among individuals who currently teach, or anticipate teaching, American history, American government, or social studies to secondary school students. Fellowships last no longer than two years, and cover a maximum of $12,000 per academic year in tuition, required fees, books, and room and board.

James Madison Graduate Fellowship Home Page

Dr. Lynne Curry, EIU James Madison Faculty Representative

The Marshall Scholarships

The Marshall Scholarships cover two years of post-baccalaureate study at a British university. Marshall Scholarships provide for travel expenses to/from the United States, requisite tuition and fees, most living expenses, and a limited allowance for study-related travel.

All candidates for Marshall Scholarships are top academic performers, dedicated to providing lifelong service and leadership to their local and global communities, who perceive of advanced study in Great Britain as unparalleled preparation for the meeting of their greatest personal and professional goals. Candidates selected as Marshall Scholars not only excel in their studies abroad and immerse themselves in contemporary British culture, but also graciously and gratefully accept the role of unofficial good will ambassador serving both the United States and Great Britain.

Marshall Scholarships Home Page

The Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarships cover most educational expenses and moderate living expenses associated with one or two years of study at colleges within the University of Oxford system. Rhodes Scholars may elect to pursue second bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or doctoral degrees.

All candidates for Rhodes Scholarships are top academic performers, dedicated to providing lifelong service and leadership to their local and global communities, who perceive of advanced study in Great Britain as unparalleled preparation for the meeting of their greatest personal and professional goals. Candidates selected as Rhodes Scholars demonstrate that they possess an unusually strong moral foundation, an uncommonly deep appreciation for ideological, experiential, and cultural diversity, and an unquenchable drive to improve the lives of others by improving society over all.

Rhodes Scholarships Home Page

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 toward the cost of a first graduate degree leading to a career in public service. Truman Scholars are selected as juniors, with selection based upon their: understanding of societal conditions; commitment to improving the quality of institutional service to the public; passion for study related to public policy, service, and administration; past participation in student/local government, community service, and/or organized political activities; leadership experience; academic achievement; financial need.

Truman Scholars are obligated to work in public service positions for a minimum of three of the first seven years that follow completion of their degree.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Home Page

Dr. Nora Pat Small, EIU Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative

The Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship provides up to $5000 toward the junior and/or senior year of undergraduate study, for students who plan on pursuing careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care.

All candidates for Udall Scholarships must have a cumulative GPA in the “B” range, for all college-level coursework completed by the time of application. All candidates for Udall Scholarships must also be enrolled as full-time students, and either possess U.S. citizenship or be recognized as U.S. nationals or permanent residents.

Any candidate for a Udall Scholarship who plans to pursue a career in tribal public policy or Native American health care must be either a Native American or an Alaska Native. Please see the Udall Scholarship website for definitions of Native American or Alaska Native, as they pertain to scholarship competition.

The Udall Scholarship Home Page