EIU Media Relations

EIU expands EIU Promise Scholarship to support more Illinois families

New guidelines increase scholarship-eligible student/family income threshold to $80,000

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University (EIU) leaders are proud to announce an expansion of its EIU Promise Scholarship, increasing the adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold to $80,000 for the 2025-26 academic year.

The change marks a $14,000 increase from the previous income threshold of $66,000, providing even more access to prospective first-time and transfer students from Illinois interested in applying for the scholarship. The EIU Promise scholarship covers full tuition and fees.

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

The EIU Promise Scholarship is a key component of the University's commitment to affordability and access to higher education. Unlike similar programs at other institutions, EIU Promise excludes an assets clause, ensuring that even families with modest savings, farms, or small businesses are able to enjoy the full benefits of the program without penalty. 

Now, with the income threshold expansion, EIU Promise eligibility requirements for prospective student include: 1) students must be Illinois residents; 2) students must have a family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $80,000 or less; 3) students must be admitted to EIU as a full-time student; 4) students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA; 5) students must meet AIM HIGH Grant requirements; and 6) students and families must complete their financial aid package by June 1, 2025.

The EIU Promise program is made possible through the AIM HIGH Grant program, a merit-based grant established by the bipartisan Illinois Higher Education Working Group in 2018.

Other EIU scholarships are funded by the AIM HIGH grant as well, including the Panther Family Scholarship. Students who have an immediate family member — such as a parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, or child — who graduated from EIU, also could be eligible for a unique EIU scholarship opportunity. The Panther Family Scholarship awards $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (or 4 consecutive semesters for transfers), provided students maintain the renewal criteria. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required, along with meeting all other AIM HIGH requirements. 

Prospective students and families are encouraged to visit the EIU website to learn more about the EIU Promise program, Panther Family Scholarship, and other EIU scholarship opportunities. Members of EIU’s admissions team are available to answer questions and guide applicants through the scholarship application process.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.