Academically talented students entering Eastern Illinois University will automatically be offered the Merit Scholarships at the time of application to the University. This scholarship is automatically renewable for a total of 4 years (8 semesters). Eligible students are required to maintain full-time consecutive undergraduate enrollment in fall and spring semesters and maintain specific GPA requirements noted below. Test scores and transcripts can be updated through June 1 to qualify for the scholarship or qualify for a higher amount.
| GPA | Award | |
|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Merit Scholarship | 3.85 - 4.0 | $16,000* ($4,000 Annually) |
| High Achieving Merit Scholarship | 3.60 - 3.84 | $12,000* ($3,000 Annually) |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | 3.0 - 3.59 | $8,000* ($2,000 Annually) |
| *Renewable up to 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters if renewal criteria is met. | ||
NOTE: Recipients must be admitted by June 1; transcripts can be updated through June 30 to qualify for the scholarship or qualify for a higher amount.
Renewal Criteria: Student must maintain the following cumulative GPA at Eastern Illinois University, with continuous full-time enrollment of 12+ hours.
The Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College offers several scholarship opportunities to academically talented students. Each of these scholarships are automatically renewable as long as the recipient maintains full-time consecutive enrollment in both fall and spring semesters, maintain good standing with the university, and specific GPA requirements noted below. The application deadline for these scholarships is in early January. For more information about these opportunities as well as others, please visit the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College web page.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Criteria | Renewable | Renewal Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pemberton Presidential Scholars Award** | Approximate Award Amount of $22,500* | 3.75 GPA*** (or top 10% class ranking) | Up to 4 years, 8 semesters total. | Maintain 3.40 GPA |
| Presidential Scholars Award** | $12,750 | 3.75 GPA (or top 10% class ranking) | Up to 4 years, 8 semesters total. | Maintain 3.40 GPA |
| Honors Award | $3,000 | 3.75 GPA | Up to 4 years, 8 semesters total. | Maintain 3.40 GPA |
| Excellence in Fine Arts Fund | $2,700 | Demonstrate high personal performance and academic standing within the areas of music, art and theatre arts. | Up to 4 years, 8 semesters total. | Varies by department. |
* Selected recipients will receive on-campus room and board (approximately $9,750 per year) and tuition and fees (up to $12,750 per year) for a total of four years. Generally, a student cannot receive a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid that exceeds the cost of attendance.
** The Pemberton Presidential Scholars Award and the Presidential Scholars Award may not be combined with Merit Scholarships or the Honors Award.
*** All GPA requirements listed are on a 4.0 scale.
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). Students can apply for annual renewal contingent upon earning a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and the submission of a narrative describing continued involvement within EIU’s campus community.
| Award Amount | Criteria | Renewable | Renewal Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $2,500 | File the FAFSA and possess a household income between $55,000 and $100,000. | Up to 4 years, 8 semesters total. | Maintain full-time, consecutive undergraduate enrollment in both fall and spring semesters, meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. |
Household income-based programs that can reduce the cost of your remaining tuition and required fees to $0 if you're a qualified Illinois student.
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