Cost of Attendance at Eastern Illinois

Hey guys! So, I've got Eastern Illinois on my college list, and I'm trying to plan out my finances for the next four years. What's the average cost of tuition and other fees at EIU, including room, board, and textbooks? How about for out-of-state students? Is there any kind of financial aid or scholarships I should know about? Anxious about this whole money thing :(

Hello! Paying for college is definitely a significant consideration and it's good that you're being proactive about understanding the costs involved. Beginning in the fall semester of 2024, all domestic students residing permanently in the USA, including undocumented students, will be eligible for in-state tuition rates. For Eastern Illinois University, as of the 2024-2025 academic year, here are the basic costs:

- The tuition and fees for domestic students are about $13,700 per academic year.

- The tuition and fees for international students are about $16,200 per academic year.

It's important to keep in mind that these numbers are for tuition alone and do not include some other costs that will contribute to your total Cost of Attendance (COA). Here are those:

- Room and board typically cost around $12,520 per academic year.

- You should factor in approximately $300 for textbook rentals.

- For personal expenses and transportation, you will want to factor in an additional $1,500 to $3,000.

These bring your total COA to roughly $29,520 for domestic students and $32,020 for international students, per academic year.

They offer a variety of institutional scholarships with different eligibility criteria. For instance, the Merit-Based Scholarship, based on academic achievement, awards between $500 to $4,000 per year. The Commitment to Excellence Scholarship Program offers renewable awards to top incoming freshmen.

Lastly, be sure to file your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and low-interest loans. This can be an additional source of funding if you qualify.

Don't forget to use Eastern Illinois University's net price calculator to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your family's financial circumstances (https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/2425finaid.php#calculator). It's challenging to navigate these financial aspects, but getting a solid understanding now will help you avoid any unexpected costs down the line. Best of luck!