How much can out-of-state families save at EIU?

Compared to public universities that charge roughly $25,000–$30,000 for nonresident tuition, families at EIU often save $10,000+ per year because all U.S. students pay the in-state rate.

Do I need to apply to get the in-state tuition rate?

No. The in-state rate is applied automatically for eligible undergraduates once admitted.

Do automatic merit scholarships at EIU require a separate application?

No. Admitted first-year students are automatically reviewed for merit based on high school GPA; test scores are optional.

Are test scores required for automatic merit?

No. EIU’s automatic merit tiers are GPA-based and test-optional.

Can automatic merit stack with other awards?

Yes, most institutional and donor awards can stack with automatic merit. However, Honors Presidential/Pemberton awards replace auto-merit if won.

What makes competitive scholarships at EIU competitive?

They have limited funding and specific criteria, and require an extra application through the EIU Scholarships (AcademicWorks) portal.

Are competitive scholarships renewable?

Some are one-time awards; others may renew. Always verify each scholarship’s renewal terms in the portal.

When are competitive scholarship applications due?

Most campus awards use a March 15 deadline; submit early to be considered.

Can hidden-gem scholarships stack with automatic merit?

Yes, most can. ROTC funding may affect other aid due to federal rules.

How do I find departmental scholarships at EIU?

Complete the AcademicWorks general application; the system matches students with 500+ departmental opportunities by major.

Is Honors admission automatic at EIU?

Students with a 3.75 GPA are typically invited automatically; students with a 3.5 GPA plus strong test scores or other excellence can apply.

Does Honors add time to graduation?

No. Honors coursework can replace general education, and priority registration helps students graduate on time.

How competitive are top Honors scholarships?

Highly competitive: about 5 Pemberton awards and roughly 15 Presidential awards are made per year, with a small number of additional Honors awards.

Does EIU mentor students for national scholarships?

Yes. The Honors College provides one-on-one support for Barry M. Goldwater, Gates Cambridge, and other nationally competitive scholarships.

Eastern Illinois University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Sending your student to college doesn’t have to mean paying out-of-state prices. At Eastern Illinois University, every U.S. student is charged the in-state rate, which already sets families up for savings. In this guide, we’ll break down what college really costs at EIU, the automatic and competitive scholarships available, and how programs like AIM HIGH and Honors can stack on top of that. If you’re from Illinois, don’t forget to also check our Illinois State Aid Guide for even more options alongside this EIU overview.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Eastern Illinois University

Expense	In-State (all U.S. students)
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (30 credits)	$14,522
Housing & Meals (on-campus average)	$13,020
Books & Supplies	$150
Travel	$816
Personal Expenses	$1,168
Total (before aid)	$29,676

Average Net Price: $14,621 (2022–23). This is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships — no loans included.

Good News for Families: At EIU, every U.S. student pays the in-state rate. There’s no out-of-state surcharge to worry about.

Example: A Missouri student pays the same $14,522 in tuition & fees as an Illinois resident — saving over $10,000 compared to typical nonresident rates at other universities.

Cost of Attendance FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
All domestic undergraduates, regardless of home state, automatically receive in-state tuition at EIU.

How much can families save?
Compared to public universities that charge $25,000–$30,000 for nonresident tuition, out-of-state families at EIU save around $10,000+ per year.

Do I need to apply for this benefit?
No. The in-state rate is applied automatically when you’re admitted as an undergraduate student.

✅ 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?
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)
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
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

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.

🏆 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?
President Quincy Doudna Memorial	$1,000+ (freshman year)	Illinois high school graduate Min 3.0 GPA	Yes — AcademicWorks Deadline: Mar 15	Not renewable	IL residents with a 3.0+ GPA, often paired with leadership roles or community service involvement

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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the automatic and competitive awards, Eastern Illinois University offers several smaller programs that can quietly add up. These tend to reward first-generation students, local families, leadership, identity groups, and even marching band members — and they can often be stacked with other aid.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
EIU Promise (AIM HIGH)	Covers up to full tuition & fees (after grants/scholarships)	Illinois residents; GPA 3.0+; AGI ≤ $80,000	No — FAFSA required by Jun 1	Yes, if GPA & AIM HIGH renewal rules met	Middle-income IL families with strong academics and financial need
Local Scholars (AIM HIGH)	Covers remaining tuition & fees (varies by gift aid)	Residents of designated IL counties; GPA 3.0+; AGI ≤ $100,000	No — FAFSA required by Jun 1	Yes, with AIM HIGH renewal	Students from EIU’s regional footprint who meet GPA and income guidelines
Student Success & Engagement Award	$1,000/yr	Students not qualifying for automatic merit, but who show leadership & involvement	Yes — portal application	Not renewable	Freshmen with active school/community engagement but GPA below 3.0–3.59 auto-merit cutoffs
EI+U Leadership Fund	Varies — typically $500–$1,500	Current students with financial need & proven leadership/service	Yes — via AcademicWorks	Depends on funding	Students active in campus orgs and community service projects
Community Ambassador Scholarship	$2,000	High school seniors from select Central IL counties with leadership & service	Yes — portal application	Not renewable	Community-minded seniors from EIU’s home region
Alumni Association Scholarships	Varies ($500–$2,000)	Children/grandchildren of EIU alumni; leadership & service criteria	Yes — Alumni Association/portal	Some renewable, others one-time	Legacy students engaged in school or community activities
Panther First-Generation Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000	First-gen IL residents; FAFSA required; demonstrated need	Yes — portal	Depends on donor fund	First-gen students showing resilience and financial need
Gerardo J. Solis Latino/Latina Scholarship	Varies (~$500–$1,000)	Full-time Latino/Latina undergraduates in College of Sciences	Yes — department application	Annual award	STEM majors of Latino heritage with good academic records
Minority Affairs Scholars Award (MASA)	$500–$1,500	Incoming minority freshmen with solid academics & activities	Yes — portal	Annual, if GPA maintained	Minority students active in extracurriculars and leadership
I. Roberta Bell Scholarship	$500–$1,000	Incoming minority freshmen with academic strength & activities	Yes — portal	Annual	Freshmen of underrepresented backgrounds with strong high school involvement
Redmond-Bey Annual Scholarship	$500–$1,000	Sophomores–seniors; member of NPHC organization	Yes — via Minority Affairs	Annual	Active members of Black Greek-letter fraternities/sororities
Panther Marching Band Scholarships	$250–$1,000	Prospective or current Panther Marching Band members; video audition	Yes — Music Department	One year; re-audition required	Non-music majors and music majors alike who excel in auditions
Departmental Scholarships	Varies widely ($500–$5,000)	Declared majors across EIU colleges; matched through AcademicWorks	Yes — complete general app in AcademicWorks	Depends on department	Students in majors like Math/CS, Education, and others who stand out academically

Note: Award amounts and renewal rules vary by donor fund and year. Always check EIU’s AcademicWorks portal for the latest details and application deadlines.

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Can these awards stack with automatic merit?
Yes. Most of these scholarships can combine with merit aid, although ROTC awards may affect other aid due to federal rules.

Do I have to apply separately?
Many of these awards require a separate application in the EIU Scholarships (AcademicWorks) portal. A few, like the Textbook Rental Grant, are automatic.

Are identity- or service-based awards common at EIU?
Yes. EIU has a strong tradition of supporting first-gen, minority, and service-oriented students with donor-funded scholarships.

How do I find departmental scholarships?
Complete the general AcademicWorks application — it will match students to over 500 departmental awards based on their major.

⭐ 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.

Statewide Spotlight: EIU’s Teacher Education program is consistently recognized across Illinois, earning CAEP reaccreditation and partnering with the Golden Apple Scholars program to address teacher shortages in the state.

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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical EIU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.75+ (or 3.5 with strong test scores), rigorous coursework, leadership roles, and a track record of academic curiosity.

Why Honors Matters at EIU:

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?
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 Deadline: early January	Yes — maintain 3.40 GPA and Honors standing	About 5 awarded each year; highly selective, reserved for the very top applicants
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 Deadline: early January	Yes — maintain 3.40 GPA and Honors standing	Roughly 15 awarded per year; competitive but more accessible than Pemberton
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

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.

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.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Eastern Illinois University stands out for making college affordable — offering in-state tuition to all U.S. students and layering on automatic merit, hidden gem scholarships, and Honors opportunities. Whether your student is the first in the family to go to college, a future teacher, or a budding researcher, EIU has options that bring costs down and create real opportunities. Use this guide as a roadmap, but remember: the earlier you apply and the more boxes you check (FAFSA, Honors, department applications), the more doors will open.

✅ Last updated: September 6, 2025