Eastern supports more students with EIU Promise Scholarship

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — More Eastern Illinois University students will soon have access to a scholarship program which could cover full tuition for some students.

The EIU Promise Scholarship will expand to cover families with an adjusted gross income threshold of $80,000, up from $66,000. It covers full tuition up to 15 credit hours and fees.

This $14,000 increase from the previous income threshold will hopefully provide more access to prospective first-time and transfer students from Illinois interested in applying for the scholarship, according to the University.

“We are thrilled to expand the EIU Promise program and make a world-class education at EIU a reality for more Illinois students,” EIU Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman said. “Our goal is to help deserving students achieve their academic dreams, regardless of their financial situation.”

According to the University, one unique part of the EIU Promise is that it excludes an assets clause. This means that families with savings, farms or small businesses are still eligible for the program.

To be eligible for the program, students must be an Illinois resident, have a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, be a full-time student, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, meet AIM HIGH Grant requirements and complete the financial aid package by June 1.

The EIU Promise is funded by the AIM HIGH Grant program, which is a merit-based grant that was created by the Illinois Higher Education Working Group in 2018.

The Panther Family Scholarship is also funded by AIM HIGH. To be eligible, students must have an immediate family member who graduated from the University.

To learn more about EIU scholarships and financial help the University offers, go to EIU’s website .

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