Eastern Illinois University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Regional tuition programs and in-state guarantees
- Honors College opportunities and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~65%
- Middle 50% ACT: 16–23
- Middle 50% SAT: 900–1130
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): ~3.3–3.8
Source: College Board BigFuture (acceptance rate and test ranges). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Eastern Illinois University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) keeps costs low with in-state tuition for all U.S. undergraduates and automatic GPA-based merit up to $4,000 per year. Top scholars can compete for Honors College awards ranging from full tuition to a full ride covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals.
The Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College offers additional competitive scholarships and an enriched academic experience; applying early maximizes consideration for limited-fund programs.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Eastern Illinois University is test-optional and evaluates automatic merit primarily on high school GPA.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 16–23; SAT: 900–1130 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $14,093/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? EIU lists in-state tuition for all U.S. undergraduates, so no extra out-of-state premium applies.
University admissions cost page (in-state for all): https://www.eiu.edu/admissions/cost.php
University COA page (indirect cost explanation): https://www.eiu.edu/finaid/cost.php
Automatic merit tiers (GPA bands & amounts): https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/freshmenmerit.php
First-year scholarships overview: https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/freshmen.php
Pine Honors competitive scholarships (full tuition / full ride): https://www.eiu.edu/honors/Freshman_scholarships.php
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school?144892-Eastern-Illinois-University=
BigFuture admissions data: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/eastern-illinois-university/admissions
💰 Cost of Attendance at Eastern Illinois University
| Expense | In-State (IL + approved border states) | Out-of-State (non-border states) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (incl. textbook rental) | $14,894 | $17,501 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $13,020 | $13,020 |
| Total (before aid) | $27,914 | $30,521 |
Note: Items like classroom supplies, travel, and personal expenses are not paid directly to EIU, so they aren’t included above. EIU’s 2025–26 planning allowances list typical indirect amounts of about $150 for books/supplies (beyond the direct-billed textbook rental fee already included in “Tuition & Mandatory Fees”), $816 for travel, and $1,168 for personal expenses. These are used for financial aid budgeting but will not appear as line items on your university bill.
University “At a Glance” (resident vs. nonresident components & totals): https://www.eiu.edu/about/glance.php
University Financial Aid COA page (2025–26 resident totals): https://www.eiu.edu/finaid/cost.php
Admissions Cost page (2025–26 components): https://www.eiu.edu/admissions/cost.php
Financial Aid estimate worksheet (indirect-cost allowances): https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/docs/2526FinancialAidEstimateWorksheet.pdf
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school?144892-Eastern-Illinois-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
EIU makes things simple: every admitted first-year student is automatically reviewed for merit scholarships based on GPA (test scores optional). No extra application is required, and awards can add up to thousands per year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Merit | $4,000/yr (up to $16,000) |
High school GPA 3.85–4.0 | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA | Students with near-perfect transcripts (mostly As, rigorous courses) | Aug 1 (admission), Aug 19 (final transcript update) |
| High Achieving Merit | $3,000/yr (up to $12,000) |
High school GPA 3.60–3.84 | No | Yes — maintain 2.75 GPA | Solid A/B students in college-prep classes | Aug 1 (admission), Aug 19 (final transcript update) |
| Academic Merit | $2,000/yr (up to $8,000) |
High school GPA 3.00–3.59 | No | Yes — maintain 2.5 GPA | Students with strong B averages and upward trends | Aug 1 (admission), Aug 19 (final transcript update) |
Note: GPA ranges are set by EIU and are test-optional. Deadlines matter: students must be admitted by Aug 1, with transcripts updated through Aug 19 to qualify or move up a tier.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for these awards.
Does EIU superscore test results?
EIU’s automatic merit scholarships are based on GPA only. Test scores are optional and not required to qualify.
Can these awards stack with other scholarships?
Yes, they can combine with programs like AIM HIGH and donor awards. However, they cannot be stacked with the Honors Presidential or Pemberton scholarships.
https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/merit.php
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Competitive scholarships at EIU are selective awards with limited slots. They require an extra application and often recognize leadership, service, or community engagement in addition to academics.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President Quincy Doudna Memorial | $1,000+ (freshman year) |
Illinois high school graduate Min 3.0 GPA |
Yes — AcademicWorks | Not renewable | IL residents with a 3.0+ GPA, often paired with leadership roles or community service involvement | March 15 |
Note: Award amounts and deadlines are based on the latest published information. Always confirm in EIU’s AcademicWorks portal each year, since competitive scholarships can change or fill quickly.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes these scholarships competitive?
They have limited funding, specific eligibility requirements, and require an additional application through EIU’s AcademicWorks portal.
Are they renewable?
Some competitive awards are one-time (like the Doudna Scholarship). Always check the scholarship description for renewal terms.
When should my student apply?
Plan to complete applications by March 15. Deadlines are strict, so encourage your student to apply early.
https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/awards.php
🎖️ Honors College
EIU’s Sandra & Jack Pine Honors College is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentoring, and the chance to stand out with research or leadership. Admission is by invitation or application, and students can apply as freshmen, transfers, or after their first semester on campus.
High school GPA of 3.75+ (or 3.5 with strong test scores), rigorous coursework, leadership roles, and a track record of academic curiosity.
- Priority registration every semester
- Dedicated Honors housing with a built-in community
- Smaller seminars and faculty mentorship
- Funding for undergraduate research and study abroad
- Thesis and departmental honors pathways for advanced students
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pemberton Presidential Scholarship | Covers tuition & fees + room & board (~$101,000 total over 4 years) |
Honors freshmen; GPA 3.75+ or 3.5 + ACT 26/SAT 1230; strong essays & leadership | Yes — Honors College app via AcademicWorks | Yes — maintain 3.40 GPA and Honors standing | About 5 awarded each year; highly selective, reserved for the very top applicants | January 7 (Presidential), March 15 (other awards) |
| Presidential Scholarship | Up to $13,500/yr (4 years, covers tuition & fees) |
Honors freshmen; GPA 3.75+ or 3.5 + ACT 26/SAT 1230 | Yes — Honors College app via AcademicWorks | Yes — maintain 3.40 GPA and Honors standing | Roughly 15 awarded per year; competitive but more accessible than Pemberton | January 7 (Presidential), March 15 (other awards) |
| Honors Award for Incoming Freshmen | Up to $12,000 total (stackable with other merit aid) |
Incoming Honors freshmen; GPA 3.5+; demonstrated academic potential | Yes — Honors College application | Renewable if GPA and Honors standing are maintained | Admitted Honors students who may not receive the top-tier awards but still show strong promise | March 15 |
Note: These Honors College scholarships are highly competitive. Only about 5 students each year receive the Pemberton, around 15 earn the Presidential, and a limited number qualify for the Honors Award. Main deadlines: January 7 (Presidential), March 15 (other awards).
Scholarships for Current Honors Students
- Dorothy Davis Bunge Scholarship — for Honors students from DuPage County.
- First Neighbor Bank Scholarship — open to Honors sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- Herbert Lasky Award — recognizes an outstanding graduating Honors senior.
- Rachael Richardson Scholarship — available to all Honors undergraduates.
- Sandra & Jack Pine Scholarship — for Honors students in Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
- URSCA Awards — up to $800 for research, scholarship, or creative activity with a faculty mentor.
- Honors Study Abroad Scholarships — funding for international study experiences.
The Honors College also provides one-on-one mentorship for students applying to nationally prestigious awards such as the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
Students with a 3.75 GPA are automatically invited to join Honors. Students with a 3.5 GPA plus strong test scores or other excellence markers can apply through the Honors College application.
Does being in Honors add extra time to a degree?
No. Honors courses often replace general education requirements, and priority registration helps students stay on track to graduate in four years.
What are the main scholarship opportunities?
Incoming freshmen can compete for the Pemberton Presidential, Presidential, and Honors Award scholarships. Current students also have access to donor-funded awards like the Bunge, Richardson, and Pine scholarships.
How competitive are the big awards?
Extremely. The Pemberton goes to about 5 students per year, while roughly 15 earn the Presidential. The Honors Award reaches a small additional group of strong candidates.
Does the Honors College support national scholarships?
Yes. Honors staff actively mentor students applying for prestigious programs such as the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
https://www.eiu.edu/honors/
https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Eastern Illinois University may not be an R1 research powerhouse, but it has built a strong reputation in areas that matter to Illinois families. EIU is especially known for preparing teachers, producing business graduates with high placement rates, and supporting undergrads with hands-on research and leadership opportunities.
- Business & Accounting (AACSB-accredited) — Lumpkin College holds elite accreditation earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide; graduates report placement rates above 90%.
- Undergraduate Research & Study Abroad — EIU invests in small-class mentorship and funds for research or international study, giving students resume-boosting experiences early in their college career.
- Health & Human Services — Programs in kinesiology, dietetics, and speech-language pathology are regionally respected and pipeline students into Illinois health systems.