First-Year Automatic Merit Scholarships

Academically talented students are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships up to $16,000, renewable for four years, when they apply to EIU.

Talent Awards

Discover how your interests and passions could earn you up to $1,000 per year with EIU’s Talent Awards.

Local Scholars

Residents of eligible Illinois counties can qualify for the Local Scholars program, a last-dollar award that can greatly reduce or even fully cover remaining tuition and fees after other aid is applied.

First-Generation Scholarship

Are you the first in your family to pursue a college degree? At Eastern Illinois University, we celebrate your ambition and are here to support your journey!

Textbook Rental Grant

If you are an Illinois resident and you have a minimum of a 3.3/4.0 GPA, you will receive an additional $300 per year over 4 years.

Panther Promise Tuition Waiver

Students who file a FAFSA and have a household income between $55,000 and $100,000 can be awarded up to $2,500 a year for up to four years.

EIU Promise

EIU Promise can significantly reduce – and in some cases completely eliminate – tuition and fees for qualified Illinois students.

Honors Scholarships

The Sandra & Jack Pine Honors College offers several competitive scholarship opportunities to academically talented students.

Student Success & Engagement Award

Students who do not meet the GPA requirements for the Automatic Merit Scholarships but showcase leadership and involvement can receive $4,000.

Community Ambassador Scholarship

High school seniors from select Central Illinois counties can earn a $2,000 scholarship supported by local businesses and community members.

Legacy Scholarships

Did one of your parents or grandparents attend EIU? You may qualify for a Legacy scholarship!

EIU Cost Match Program

EIU will match the out-of-pocket cost of any regionally accredited public university outside Illinois when eligible Illinois students submit their Financial Aid Award letters.

Departmental / Other Scholarships

Explore even more funding in Academic Works, where admitted students can sign in, complete a quick application, and be automatically matched to eligible scholarships.