EIU announces plans to offer direct admission to more high school seniors

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — More schools in Central Illinois have agreed to allow Eastern Illinois University to guarantee direct admission for its “high-achieving” students after completing six semesters.

University officials announced an agreement with the Regional Office of Education District #12 on Monday. ROE #12 includes schools in Clay, Crawford, Jasper, Lawrence, and Richland counties.

“ROE#12 has been a longstanding and engaged partner with EIU, and this direct admissions arrangement will benefit many of the students and families we proudly serve,” Jeremy Brush, the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the school district, said. “This is a tangible outcome of our commitments to educational leadership and student opportunity in our region and for Illinois.”

Both parties are working to finalize the details, but some benefits to be a part of the final agreement include waived application fees for students, guaranteed scholarship with the admission offer, and support for EIU admissions counselors during the college search process.

Last month, EIU penned a similar agreement with ROE #11 for high schools in Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, & Shelby counties.

University officials said the partnership will expand higher education opportunities for students in the region.

“EIU is committed to accessibility, and this partnership increases opportunities for local students looking for a quality higher education experience close to home,” EIU Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman said. “Partnerships like these also increase the number of college-bound students staying in Illinois to pursue higher education, which supports the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s mission to create ‘A Thriving Illinois.’”

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