Scholarships for New Freshmen
Automatic Merit Scholarships
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.
NOTE: Transcripts can be updated through June 1 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.
- Distinguished Merit: 3.0 GPA
- High Achieving Merit: 2.75 GPA
- Academic Merit: 2.5 GPA
Competitive Scholarships
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 Amounts | Minimum GPA (4.00 Scale) | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pemberton Presidential Scholars Award** | Approximate Award Amount of $21,300* | 3.75 (or top 10% class ranking) | 3.40 |
| Presidential Scholars Award** | $12,000 | 3.75 (or top 10% class ranking) | 3.40 |
| Honors Award | $3,000 | 3.5 | 3.40 |
* Selected recipients will receive on-campus room and board (approximately $9,300 per year) and tuition and fees (up to $12,000 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 the Commitment to Excellence Scholarship or Honors Award.
EIU Promise and EIU Local Scholars
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.
Other Scholarships
Eastern Illinois University offers more than 600 scholarship opportunities to new and continuing students. Below are just a few of the many scholarships available. For more information, including sample essay questions, timelines to search, find, and apply for scholarship opportunities, links to other outside scholarships, and information on how to apply outside scholarships to your student account, please refer to our site menu.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Criteria | Renewable | Renewal Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.* |
| Panther Promise Tuition Waiver | Up to $2,500 | File the FAFSA and possess a household income between $33,000 and $79,000. | 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. |
* Renewal requirements are established by each department awarding this scholarship.
