EIU Media Relations

EIU’s commitment to community paying off big for local students

CHS students average $13k in annual assistance; EIU graduates average nearly $2 million in additional lifetime earnings

(Charleston, IL) – One of the most affordable and accessible public regional universities in Illinois is making it even more economical for local students to attend. 

While Eastern Illinois University’s unique and timely financial aid packaging benefits all students, local students are especially feeling the impact of EIU’s commitment to the Charleston community. Last year alone, EIU’s financial aid team connected incoming students from Charleston High School with $13,214 in average individual aid. In total, EIU has packaged and offered nearly $2 million in aid to Charleston students the current academic year.

“EIU’s focus on student success is a core value of our University and embedded in our mission,” said EIU Vice President of Enrollment Management Josh Norman, a longtime Charleston resident and himself a Charleston High School graduate. “But as a public regional institution, we are particularly conscientious of those students who see EIU as part of their everyday lives, but who may not understand exactly how EIU can help make their college dreams come true. Charleston High School students and their families should know EIU is invested in them, just as they are invested as part of our shared local community.” 

To support that commitment, EIU is planning a Thursday, December 4 day visit at Charleston High School, where dedicated regional EIU Admissions Counselor Marissa Stapleton will guide current CHS Trojans through the EIU exploration and admissions process on their way to becoming EIU Panthers. Students who sign up for a December 4 session will learn about EIU academic programs, degree options, career outlooks and job placement assistance that can give them a jump start on their personal and professional lives. The sessions are open to high school students considering their college options, seniors getting ready to apply, or already admitted EIU students who want to check items off their “EIU To-Do” Lists.

A critical part of those face-to-face conversations on December 4 will be the unique financial assistance EIU offers students from CHS. EIU’s $13,000 average annual financial aid award for CHS students is made available in large part to more than 100 distinct types of scholarships, grants, and waivers available to Charleston students.

“Students from Charleston High School interested in EIU should talk to Marissa on December 4 about the opportunities we offer,” said EIU Director of Admissions Brittany Tierney. “EIU works to connect prospective students with available aid and assistance, and those awards can offset the majority of costs of attending EIU—and in some cases, almost entirely. That’s a critical detail that all prospective students and families should know as they weigh their college choices.”

Tierney also emphasized that as local and regional economies continue to shift, EIU prepares students for their first job and for lasting opportunity and stability in a rapidly changing world.

“While many students choose EIU for the quality of the experience, the variety of programs, or the opportunity for upward social mobility, sometimes their decision is more financial and value-based,” Tierney said. “Those students should know a degree from EIU, on average, means nearly $2 million in additional lifetime earnings, creating opportunities for financial stability in our new and dynamic economy. Combined with EIU’s unique aid packages, students and graduates of EIU are prepared to succeed academically, professionally, and financially.”

INTERESTED IN SCHEDULING AN EIU REPRESENTATIVE VISIT TO YOUR SCHOOL?
To schedule an EIU Admissions representative visit in other schools or school districts, email mnstapleston@eiu.edu. 

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.