Eastern Illinois University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is committed to providing accessible and affordable education. A crucial part of this commitment involves offering a wide range of scholarships to help students finance their education. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships encourages all students to apply early for financial aid and scholarships to ensure full consideration.

Understanding the Financial Aid Process at EIU

Waiting for your financial aid award letter can be stressful. EIU aims to alleviate this stress by providing resources and support throughout the financial aid process. To maximize your chances of receiving aid, it’s essential to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. EIU recommends filing by March 15 to meet potential state deadlines. The Federal Student Aid Estimator, available in both English and Spanish, can help you estimate your eligibility for federal aid.

Addressing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19

EIU recognizes the financial challenges that many families have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts on wages, savings, and overall financial security. If your family's financial situation has been affected, EIU may be able to reduce your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), potentially increasing your eligibility for gift aid. It is important to note that a Professional Judgment cannot be processed if your FAFSA information has already resulted in a ZERO EFC. The EIU staff is available to address any questions you may have.

Navigating EIU Scholarships

EIU offers a diverse array of scholarships, each with its own eligibility requirements and application process. To begin, students must complete a short General Application. Upon completion, the system will automatically match you to all scholarships you are eligible for based on your information from PAWS and MyEIU. Some scholarships require no further action after the General Application, while others may request additional information. It is important to note that additional scholarship opportunities may become available after you have completed your General Scholarship application. The “Deadline” column shows the deadline for you to complete the application to be considered for that scholarship. The scholarship opportunities you are auto-matched to and apply for could be for either the current or the next academic year. If you are looking for a specific opportunity but do not see it below, there’s a chance it’s just not open for applications at this time.

Accessing Scholarship Information

Detailed descriptions of scholarships available through the Eastern Illinois University Foundation can be examined at the Neal Welcome Center, located at 860 West Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, during normal business hours. It's important to note that the listing provided is a comprehensive overview of all scholarships approved by the Foundation Board of Directors. Some awards are funded by estate commitments and may not be fully funded at this time, indicated by an asterisk. Foundation awards may also impact other financial aid a student is eligible to receive.

Featured Scholarships at Eastern Illinois University

Below is a detailed overview of some of the scholarships available to EIU students, categorized for clarity.

General Academic Scholarships

Presidential Scholars Award: This award is open to graduating high school seniors who are enrolled full-time at Eastern Illinois University.
Attainment Fund Scholarship: Established in 1965, this scholarship provides financial assistance to outstanding students who have attained at least sophomore standing and need at least one more year of study to receive a bachelor’s degree. Selection is made by the Financial Grants Committee, including a determination of financial need.

Major-Specific Scholarships

Accountancy Advisory Board Endowment: This award strengthens the Accountancy Program at EIU and can be used for accounting scholarships, faculty development, special conferences, guest speakers, technology renewal, and more. If a scholarship is awarded, the student must be accepted to the Accounting Program with an overall GPA of 3.2.
William E. Adams Memorial Scholarship
Gayle Hutton Adkins Award: This award is made annually to a junior or senior demonstrating outstanding personal character and high scholarship in the pre-medical studies program. Preference will be given to a married candidate.
The Jessie Voigt Allhands Mathematics Scholarship: This scholarship goes to a full-time undergraduate student majoring or intending to major in a degree program in the Department of Mathematics. Recipients must have an overall GPA of 3.0 from their high school. Financial need is a consideration. Preference will be given to students from West Salem, Illinois, or communities close to West Salem.

Read also: A Detailed Look at ECNU
American Marketing Association Achievement Award: This award must be given to an AMA-EIU Chapter member in good standing who participates in chapter activities. The student must also be full-time and senior status.
American Marketing Association World Color Press Outstanding Junior Award: This award must be given to an AMA-EIU Chapter member in good standing who participates in chapter activities. The student must be full-time and returning the next academic year.
Dewey H. Amos Geology and Earth Science Award.
Charles B. Arzeni Tropical Biology Fund: This award is presented to a junior Biological Sciences major with an overall GPA of 3.0. The award must be used for travel in the tropics for studies in tropical biology.
Athletic Training Scholarship: This award provides an annual scholarship for students pursuing studies leading to careers in athletic training or related fields. Selection is based upon peer and staff evaluation, academic qualifications, and clinical experience.

Read also: ESU Tuition Guide
Grace T. Bair Business Scholarship.
Altamont Lions Club/Ernie C. Ballard Scholarship: This award was established for a graduate of any Effingham County high school majoring in Biological Sciences with an interest in conservation or environmental sciences. The recipient must have an overall GPA of 2.5, display a need for financial aid, and demonstrate successful leadership and positive moral character regarding civic extracurricular student activities.
Betty Lou Balasi Scholarship: This award is given to a junior, senior, or graduate student, majoring in Communication Studies, in good academic standing. The recipient must be enthusiastic and supportive of the University and the department.
Elisha H. and Estella Ziegler Baumgartner Scholarship: This award is given to one student in each of the following departments: Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology. Awards are made to sophomores who demonstrate financial need.
I. Roberta Bell Minority Scholars Scholarship: This award goes to minority students who have enhanced the dignity of minority culture through demonstrated academic achievement and excellence.
Beta Gamma Sigma Endowment Fund: This award may be used for scholarships, special conferences, guest speakers, recognition/recruitment events, and membership dues. If a scholarship is presented, the recipient must be a full-time student accepted to the School of Business and have completed at least 30 semester hours of course work.
Amy Blumberg Memorial Scholarship: This award is given to a full-time student who is a new initiate of Gamma Mu Chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The recipient must demonstrate involvement in co-curricular activities and show evidence of leadership qualities or experience. A one-page essay must be submitted explaining why she should receive the scholarship, including financial need.
Stan, Dee, & Meagan Braden Scholarship: This award benefits a junior or first semester senior who is majoring in Sociology. The recipient must have at least a 3.0 major and overall GPA and demonstrated responsibility by working or volunteering part-time.
The Brankey Scholarship: This award goes to an incoming freshman Business major who shows potential for academic success.
Alexander Briggs Memorial Award: This award is made annually to a business major who has completed at least one year of college work with not less than a B average, and demonstrates outstanding personal character and interest in the field of business and business education.
Margaret Briggs Mathematics Scholarship: This award is made annually to a graduating senior from an Illinois high school who is majoring in mathematics and demonstrates high scholastic standing. Financial need is a consideration.
Ewen “Lefty” Bryden Alumni Scholarship: This award goes to a declared major in Recreation Administration who carries a minimum GPA of 3.00 and demonstrates leadership potential.
Burgner Memorial Scholarship: This award provides a scholarship for a graduate of Mattoon or Charleston High School who is majoring in the Biological Sciences.
Dr. William Butler Physics Scholarship: This award goes to a high school senior, or currently attending freshman or sophomore at EIU, majoring in Physics. Applicants must show high scholastic potential.
The Robert G. Buzzard Presidential Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in Teacher Education. The recipient must have earned approval to take teacher education courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship goes to a student who has demonstrated potential for scholarship, leadership, and service within the field of education.
The Irene Couchman Buzzard Scholarship: This award is presented to a full-time Art student with at least second semester sophomore standing. The recipient must have an overall GPA of 2.5 and an art GPA of 3.0. Students will be nominated by the Art Department faculty. Preference will be given to students demonstrating an excellence in crafts.
Ruth Carman Scholarship: This award is presented annually to an outstanding student in foreign languages.
William H. and Waneta Sedgwick Catey Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a full-time junior or senior, majoring in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Middle Level Education. The recipient must be a graduate of a Cumberland County or Clark County High School. Preference will be given to a graduate of Casey-Westfield High School who has a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is a consideration. The recipient must show evidence of community service/volunteer activities. The recipient must be of good moral character as evidenced by a letter of recommendation. The award must be used for tuition.
Dr. Harold M. and Alice D. Cavins Scholarship: This award is presented to an Eastern junior, senior, or graduate student majoring in a health-related field and who is preparing for a career in a health-related field. The recipient must have a 3.0 GPA, display an integrity of character, and demonstrate a willingness to be of service to the community.
Charles and Barbara Clark Elementary Education Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student majoring in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Middle Level Education. Financial need is a consideration. Preference will be given to students from Decatur schools.
Martha Elizabeth and Vernice Elizie Clark Memorial Scholarship: This award was created to present annual awards to sophomore, junior, or senior students majoring in Elementary Education. Recipients must be residents of Crawford County.
Dr. Luis F. Clay-Mendez Scholarship: This award is given to declared Spanish majors with teacher certification. A 3.0 GPA overall as well as a 3.0 major GPA is required.
Coles/Douglas Scholarship: This scholarship goes to students majoring in Elementary Education who are residents of Coles or Douglas County. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be in good academic standing.
Charles E. & Ferne Tingley Compton Botany Scholarship: This award goes to a junior or senior student majoring in Biological Sciences with teacher certification option or the Botanical Sciences concentration. The recipient must have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 and financial need.
Donna Lynn Connelly Memorial Scholarship: This award goes to a deserving female sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences.
James E. and Joseph T. Connelly Scholarship: This award was established for a junior or second-semester sophomore majoring in Political Science at Eastern. The recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in three or more political science courses. The recipient must have a record of community or University service, and must write a 300-500-word essay illustrating a “social conscience approach” to a governmental problem.
Carolyn Shores Cook and Allyn Cook Memorial Scholarship: Two awards are made annually, one to a Music major and one to a Biological Sciences major with Botanical Sciences concentration. Potential and capability for success in the field and financial need will be considered.
Stephen Alan Coon Mathematics Scholarship: This award goes to a full-time sophomore majoring in a degree program in the Mathematics Department. The recipient must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and not higher than 3.5 and must have a need for financial aid.
Mary Coon Cottingham Scholarship.
The Thomas Woodall Exercise Science Scholarship: This scholarship is available to full-time graduate students at Eastern Illinois University.
The Stan, Dee and Meagan Braden Scholarship: This scholarship is available to full-time juniors and first semester seniors majoring in sociology at Eastern Illinois University. You must have at least 30 hours of sociology completed or being completed at the time the award is granted.
The Shannon McNamara Outstanding Physical Education Student Scholarship: This scholarship is available to physical education majors at Eastern Illinois University. You must demonstrate outstanding service to the Physical Education Department.
The Sally Bohs Delaney Scholarship: This scholarship is open to music majors at Eastern Illinois University. You must be studying the flute, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and have completed 30 semester hours of coursework.
The Ryan Struebing Distinguished Graduate Student Award: This scholarship is available to full-time graduate students at Eastern Illinois University. You must be majoring in communication disorders and sciences and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Scholarships with Specific Criteria

Warner/Brainard Presidential Award in Pre-Legal Studies: This award is available to junior and senior students at Eastern Illinois University.
Walter and Lola Stephenson Cole Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at Eastern Illinois University who have graduated from Marshall High School.
Vergil V. Gregg Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is open to full-time students at Eastern Illinois University. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA with a minimum 3.0 GPA in your major. Preference is given to residents of Westfield, then to students in Clark County.
Ruth and Ansel Schmalhausen Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students at Eastern Illinois University. You must have a minimum of 12 semester hours completed with at least a 2.5 GPA. In addition, you must be a congregation member of a First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) within the state of Illinois.
Amy Blumberg/Collinsville High School Scholarship: This award is for graduating seniors from Collinsville High School who will be attending EIU as a full-time student. A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. If there are multiple applicants, preference will be given to the student with financial need.
Carpenter’s Local #347 Scholarship: This award goes to a child or stepchild of a member in good standing of Carpenter’s Local #347.
Charleston Business and Professional Women’s Club Scholarship: The scholarship is presented to a recipient from the Charleston area who is attending Eastern Illinois University. Financial need is a consideration.
The Clay/Richland Scholarship Fund: This award is presented annually to an undergraduate student from Clay/Richland counties entering Eastern Illinois University for the first time and admitted as a Pre-Business or Business major. The award is based on academic performance with the stipend paid upon verification of enrollment in the Fall.
John P. Coffey United States Veterans Scholarship: This award is for full-time undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing at EIU. Applicants must have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces (any branch) and major in Business.
Kenneth E. Coffey, Jr. Scholarship: This award is given to students from Coles, Edgar, Clark, or Cumberland County. Students must be in good academic standing. Financial need is a consideration but not a requirement.
Charles H. and Dorothee Coleman Scholarship: This award goes annually to an undergraduate or graduate history major.
Dorothy Davis Bunge Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to full-time students from DuPage County who participate in the Honors College with a 3.5 GPA.
Cooley-Marathon Scholarship: This award was established to provide a scholarship to an incoming full-time freshman student enrolled as a Pre-Business major. This award continues as long as the student remains in good standing in business.
Calvin Countryman Memorial Award:

Study Abroad Scholarships

Martha T. and Lavern M.: For students with financial need who wish to Study Abroad.
Dorothy E. Dr. William V.: For Honors students, to cover Study Abroad costs.

Graduate Student Scholarships

Errett Warner/ Stanley G.: For graduate students in College Student Affairs.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Joyce S.
Ruth E.
William T. and Margaret K.

Additional Financial Aid Information

EIU also offers additional financial aid opportunities, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website or contact their office directly.

Why Choose Eastern Illinois University?

Beyond financial aid, EIU offers a supportive and enriching academic environment. Charleston was ranked as the second-safest college town in America. EIU prides itself on providing a campus that feels like home, professors who are fully invested in student success, and a university experience that propels students further than they ever thought possible. With the right support and opportunities, EIU believes that students can unlock a lifetime of possibilities.

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