First-Year Automatic Merit Scholarships

Academically talented students entering Eastern Illinois University will automatically be offered a Merit Scholarships up to $16,000 ($4,000 annually) at the time of application to the University. This scholarship is automatically renewable for a total of 4 years (8 semesters).

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. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning that it covers any tuition or fees remaining after other scholarships and awards have been applied.

Local Scholars

If you reside in an Illinois county that is within the Local Scholars program area, this program can significantly reduce – and in some cases completely eliminate – tuition and fees for qualified residents. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning that it covers the average tuition or fees budget remaining after other scholarships and awards have been applied.

Automatic Panther Family Scholarship

Join the EIU tradition and let your family legacy help pave the way for your success at Eastern Illinois University! For students with a GPA of 2.8 + above and an immediate family member who graduated from EIU.

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! The First-Generation Student Scholarship is designed to help make your dream of higher education a reality.

Honors Scholarships

The Sandra and 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 ($1,000 annually).

Community Ambassador Scholarship

High school seniors from select counties in Central Illinois who plan to attend Eastern Illinois University have an exciting opportunity for financial support. The EIU Community Ambassador Scholarship, funded by local businesses and community members, awards $2000 to qualified students.

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 attendance of any regionally accredited public university in the U.S. outside Illinois. To qualify, Illinois students can submit their Financial Aid Award letters from qualifying institutions.

Departmental / Other Scholarships

Some scholarships and grants are automatically offered when you are admitted, but many more are listed in our Academic Works scholarship search system! The system will automatically match you to eligible scholarships. Once you are admitted, just visit Academic Works, sign in with your EIU netid and password, then fill out the general application.