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a guide to the dollars and cents of realizing your dreams at eastern illinois university You can college afford
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Page 1: EIU Financial Aid Overview

a guide to the dollars and cents of

realizing your dreams

at eastern illinois university

You can

collegeafford

Page 2: EIU Financial Aid Overview

The amount of financial aid processed at Eastern in one academic year through scholarships, grants, work-study jobs and/or loans

$132million

EIU

Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid. Incoming freshmen should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eastern’s school code.Make sure you list us as your first choice!

of EIU students receive some form of financial aid each year.

start here:

File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possbile after January 1.

Financial Aid:

Financial Aid:

www.eiu.edu/~scholars/merit.php

www.fafsa.ed.gov

FAFSA 001674

78%

84% you will earn

with a degree

MORE

Youcanafford

A study at Georgetown University found the typical bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn about 84 percent more, on average, than those whose highest attainment is a high school diploma. www.eiu.edu/finaidba

chel

or’s

de

gree

h.s.

dipl

oma

EIU4 and EIU2:

12 3

4The University offers two graduation guarantees for many majors – a four-year guarantee for freshmen and a two year guarantee for transfer students. The program is simple: If you qualify and complete the student responsibilities, we guarantee that you will finish your degree on time – saving you additional tuition, fees and living expenses.

Nationwide, only 1 in 4 college students complete a bachelor’s degree in four years, and nearly half take 5 years or more! Visit www.eiu.edu/eiufour to learn how you can be that 1 out of 4.

Page 3: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Planning for college can be one of the biggest financial challenges for families. The costs can sound daunting and you’re going to be faced with lots of terms you’ve never heard before.

That’s why Eastern Illinois University is committed to helping students get the financial aid they need to achieve their educational goals and fulfill their dreams. In fact, more than 78 percent of the student body receives some sort of financial aid. Last year, that amounted to more than $132 million in financial aid.

In addition to need-based financial aid, the university also offers a range of merit-based scholar-ships based on your work in high school and your ACT/SAT score. To determine your eligibility, you can check out our merit scholarship calculator at www.eiu.edu/scholarships/merit.php.

Low consistent tuition for all four years But, even before you get to the financial aid package, you’re already ahead at Eastern. EIU helps you plan by locking in your tuition rate for all four years. You will never face rising tuition costs from year-to-year at Eastern. The tuition you pay freshman year will be the exact same rate you pay senior year. You’ll never get an unpleasant surprise about tuition and wonder how you’ll afford to finish as a result.

In-State tuition for neighboring state residents Students from our bordering states, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin, automatically qualify for the same low tuition rate paid by Illinois residents. No additional paperwork is necessary, you already qualify by being one of our neighbors.

Textbook Rental Program What’s more, at Eastern, the cost of your textbooks is already covered by your fees. Our textbook rental service provides all of your textbooks – saving the average student more than $900 a year.

Page 4: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The 2013-2014 COA for financial aid eligibility purposes includes not only tuition and required fees plus room and board, but also allow-ances for supplies, travel, and miscellaneous personal expenses. This figure is designed to help you plan your budget and also give you a way to compare total costs at Eastern to other colleges and universi-ties. For the 2014-2015 academic year, you can expect your budget to look something like this if you’re an in-state undergraduate:

Direct Costs Tuition $8,490 (15 hours for both FA and SP) Required Fees $2,654 Room and Board $8,996 (12+ meal plan)

$20,140Indirect Costs *Supplies $300 *Travel $938 *Miscellaneous $3,298

$4,536

Total Costs $24,676

*Indirect Costs vary from student to student and will NOT be charged to the Eastern bill. These costs have been included in this model to help you plan a realistic financial budget. All COA Budgets, including the out-of-state budget, are listed at www.eiu.edu/finaid/cost.php. And remember, if you’re from one of the states contiguous to Illinois, you already qualify for in-state rates.

The Guaranteed Tuition Rate Program ensures your first-year tuition rate at EIU will remain the same for four continuous academic years. Even if tuition costs rise during your time at EIU, yours will not.

Guaranteed Tuition Rate:

fresh

man

soph

omor

e

juni

or

seni

or

$$This plan applies only to tuition; all other expenses, including fees and room/board, may change.

Page 5: EIU Financial Aid Overview

How is need determined? Eastern uses the federally calculated expected family contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Stu-dent Aid (FAFSA) and subtracts it from the COA for the academic year, to determine eligibility for need-based aid.

Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Need

Direct Costs

Tuition Includes the cost for a student who registers for 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters.

Required FeesIncludes all student fees, plus Textbook Rental ($9.95 per credit hour), Health Service/Pharmacy Fee, and Health/Accident Insurance Fee.

Room/Board

Includes a double room in a residence hall designed to house two students and twelve dining meals each week, plus $100 Dining Dollars per semester and four bonus meals per semester.

indirect Costs

SuppliesIncludes an allowance for course-related expenses and supplies beyond those supplied by Eastern’s Textbook Rental System.

Travel Includes standard average travel allowance for all students.

MiscellaneousIncludes a combination of other average student expenses for such items as recreation, clothing, toiletries, laundry, and medical/dental needs.

Page 6: EIU Financial Aid Overview

We’ve included some real-life scenarios with sample financial aid packages for each. That way, you can look at situations which might mirror yours to get a better understanding of the financial aid you might expect to receive at Eastern. We’ve included a list of frequently asked questions along with definitions for terms that you might encoun-ter as you look at financial aid packages.

If you would like additional assistance, the staff in the Office of Financial Aid will be happy to help you. You can call us at 217-581-6405 or 217-581-5249 or email [email protected]. In order to ensure that you receive the very best financial aid package, make sure to file your 2014-2015 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) as soon as possible after January 1.

Need-Based Awards are based on the results of the FAFSA.

Merit-Based Awards for incoming freshmen are based on the combination of ACT or SAT and unweighted high school GPA. For new transfer students merit-based awards are based on previous credit hours at a community college and cumulative GPA. Each of these scenarios include a Commitment to Excellence Scholarship-Tier 2, to illustrate the effect of a merit award on the financial aid packages. Your actual award may be higher or lower, depending on your ACT or SAT and unweighted high school GPA. A chart of merit-based award parameters is listed on the follow pages.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)=0 Dylan is from central Illinois and lives in a single-parent household and has a brother who is also attending college. The family income is $28,000. Both parent and student have $300 each in savings.

Case Study: Dylan

Sample Financial Aid Award Need-Based Merit-Based Total

Commitment to Excellence Scholarship – Tier 2 $2,500

Federal Pell Grant $5,645

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $1,000

Federal Work-Study $2,000

Federal Perkins Loan $2,000

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000

State of Illinois MAP Grant (est.) $4,720

Total Financial Aid Award $20,865 $2,500 $23,365

Total Direct Costs $20,140

Amount of Refund or (Payment) $3,225

Page 7: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)=2,775 Nicole is from Chicago. Both parents work and earn a combined income of $60,000. Nicole has also earned $1,500 from work. Nicole’s sister also attends college. Her parents have $5,000 in savings.

Case Study: nicole

Sample Financial Aid Award Need-Based Merit-Based Total

Commitment to Excellence Scholarship – Tier 2 $2,500

Federal Pell Grant $2,895

Federal Work-Study $2,000

Federal Perkins Loan $2,000

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000

State of Illinois MAP Grant (est.) $2,360

Panther Promise Scholarship $2,500

Total Financial Aid Award $17,255 $2,500 $19,755

Total Direct Costs $20,140

Amount of Refund or (Payment) ($385)

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)=6,000 Rachel is from Indiana. Her parents both work and have a combined income of $95,000. She has two other siblings in college. The family has no savings.

Case Study: Rachel

Sample Financial Aid Award Need-Based Merit-Based Total

Commitment to Excellence Scholarship – Tier 2 $2,500

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000

EIU Access To Education Award $2,000

Total Financial Aid Award $7,500 $2,500 $10,000

Total Direct Costs $20,140

Amount of Refund or (Payment) ($10,140)

Page 8: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)=12,000 Emily is from Iowa and is the only member of her family in college. She has a 15-year-old brother. Both of her parents are employed and together earn $79,000. They have $9,000 in investments and savings of $600. Emily earned $4,500 from work and has $2,000 in savings.

Case Study: EMILY

Sample Financial Aid Award Need-Based Merit-Based Total

Commitment to Excellence Scholarship – Tier 2 $2,500

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000

EIU Access To Education Award $2,000

Total Financial Aid Award $7,500 $2,500 $10,000

Total Direct Costs $20,140

Amount of Refund or (Payment) ($10,140)

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)=22,000 Christian is from a Chicago suburb. Both of his parents work earning $107,000. He earned $5,000 from work. Christian has three younger siblings. His parents have $2,000 in savings.

Case Study: Christian

Sample Financial Aid Award Need-Based Merit-Based Total

Commitment to Excellence Scholarship – Tier 2 $2,500

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $2,176

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $3,324

Total Financial Aid Award $5,500 $2,500 $8,000

Total Direct Costs $20,140

Amount of Refund or (Payment) ($12,140)

What if you need more money for school? If you find you need additional resources for school, consider the Parent PLUS Loan, family savings, private scholarships, funds from student work activities, and private student loans.

Page 9: EIU Financial Aid Overview
Page 10: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Presidential Scholars Award

In addition to enrollment in the Honors College, minimum eligibility criteria for the Presidential Scholars Award are a composite ACT of 30 and a high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or a composite ACT of 30 and top 10% of graduating class.

OR

A composite ACT of 28 and a high school cumulative GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale or a composite ACT of 28 and top 5% of graduating class.

Up to 20 incoming freshmen are selected to receive this prestigious award each year. Selected students will receive $11,000 each year (divided evenly between fall and spring semesters), for up to eight semesters, provided they meet renewal criteria and maintain enrollment in the Honors College.

If selected for the Presidential Scholars Award, students will receive $11,000 per year for a total value of $44,000, instead of the Commitment to Excellence Award.

Merit Scholarships FOR NEW FRESHMaN STUDENTSAcademically talented students will automatically be considered for our new merit scholarships. Use the chart below as a guide to see where you might fit. Visit our online merit calculator at www.eiu.edu/scholarships/merit.php for more information.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS*

scholarship

Commitment to Excellence - Tier 1

Commitment to Excellence - Tier 2

Commitment to Excellence - Tier 3

amount

$3,500

$2,500

$1,500

minimum GPA**

(4.00 scale)

minimum

ACT

2.753.353.65

2.753.253.65

2.752.903.00

363027

342821

282421

sample ACT and GPA awards

renewal criteria

Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of eight (8) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of eight (8) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of eight (8) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

Commitment to Excellence - High Achievement

$4,500363330

3.353.704.00

Cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of eight (8) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

* based on availability of resources ** based on unweighted GPA

Page 11: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Honors Award

Honors Award eligibility requirements are the same as the Presidential Scholars Award. Students not chosen to receive the Presidential Scholars Award may be eligible to receive this award in addition to the Commitment to Excellence Award. Selected students will receive $3,000 each year (divided evenly between fall and spring semesters), for up to eight semesters, provided they meet renewal criteria.

Panther Promise Tuition Waiver

Panther Promise is available to students from households with an annual income ranging from $33,000 to $67,000. Selected recipients will receive up to $2,500 toward tuition (divided evenly between fall and spring semesters), for up to eight semesters for incoming freshmen. To be eligible, the recipient must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a first-time freshman, attend full time and meet the income requirements listed above. This waiver is based on the availability of resources.

* based on availability of resources ** based on unweighted GPA

Page 12: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Academically talented students will automatically be considered for our new merit scholarships. Use the chart below as a guide to see where you might fit.

TRANSFER ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS*

* based on availability of resources

scholarship

Transfer Academic Excellence - Tier 1

Transfer Academic Excellence - Tier 2

amount

$2,000

$1,000

minimum GPA

(4.00 scale)

3.50 - 4.00

3.00 - 3.49

renewal and other criteria

A minimum of 15 college-level credit hours transferred from an accredited college or university is required. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of four (4) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

A minimum of 15 college-level credit hours transferred from an accredited college or university is required. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher to renew. The award amount is divided evenly between fall and spring semesters and is renewable for a total of four (4) consecutive semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is required.

Merit Scholarships FOR Transfer STUDENTS

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is offered to transfer students entering Eastern Illinois University in the fall semester. Eligible recipients must be admitted to EIU at the time of scholarship application. Application deadline is February 15th. A current college transcript must be submitted along with the scholarship application. Applicants must be entering from a two-year community college and have a transferable Associate’s degree prior to the fall term of entrance. A GPA requirement of 3.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. The scholarship award amount is $3,000 and will be applied in equal payments in fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment each semester is required.

Panther Promise Tuition Waiver

Panther Promise is available to students from households with an annual income ranging from $33,000 to $67,000. Selected recipients will receive up to $2,500 toward tuition (divided evenly between fall and spring semesters), for up to four semesters for new transfer students. To be eligible, the recipient must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a first-time transfer student to Eastern, attend full time and meet the income requirements listed above. This waiver is based on the availability of resources.

EIU2 Scholarship

To be eligible for the EIU2 Scholarship, applicants must meet all four of the following requirements: 1) be admitted to EIU as a new transfer student for the upcoming fall semester, 2) be eligible for EIU2, Eastern’s 2-year transfer graduation guarantee program, 3) have a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), 4) demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the scholarship application deadline. Students must have completed an Associate’s degree that includes all lower-division general education requirements and the IAI score. Students also must enroll in a corresponding degree that they will be able to complete in a two-year time period. All majors at EIU with the exception of teacher certification programs, Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, the engineering cooperative, the nursing cooperative, clinical laboratory science, athletic training, and environmental biology are eligible for the program.

Page 13: EIU Financial Aid Overview

* based on availability of resources

Federal aid programs Pell Grants are available for undergraduate students and range from $605 to $5,645 annually (2013/2014 levels).

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded annually to students who demonstrate exceptional need. The maximum amount is $1,000. Work-Study allows students with financial need to earn money to help cover expenses by working on-campus part-time. Typically students receive the maximum award of $2,000.

Perkins Loans have a fixed interest rate of 5 percent. Repayment begins nine months after graduation and continues for up to 10 years. Typically students receive the maximum award of $2,000. Subsidized Loans have a current fixed rate of 3.86% (as of 7-1-2013). If you are eligible, the federal government pays the interest while you are in school. Repayment begins six months after you leave school. Students may borrow up to $3,500 as freshmen, $4,500 as sophomores, and $5,500 each year as juniors or seniors. (An unsubsidized loan of $2,000 will also be offered to eligible students.)

Unsubsidized Loans have a current fixed rate of 3.86% (as of 7-1-2013) and these loans are available to students who do not qualify for Subsidized Loans. The interest must be paid (or capitalized on the principal) while the student is enrolled in school. Repayment of principal begins six months after you leave school. The maximum loan for fresh-men is $5,500, $6,500 as sophomores, and $7,500 each year as juniors or seniors.

Parent PLUS Loan (OPTIONAL) is a low-interest federal loan program that allows parents with acceptable credit histories to borrow up to the cost-of-attendance for any dependent child, minus any other financial aid offered. The interest rate is 6.41% (as of 7-1-2013). Repayment of the principal and interest begins upon disbursement and ex-tends up to 10 years. Payments may be deferred as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. This is just one option to help pay for school. A few other options include family savings, private scholarships, funds from student work activities, and private student loans.

State AID ProgramsMonetary Assistance Program Grants are state-funded grants awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. They are need-based grants for undergraduate students who are Illinois residents. Annual awards range from $944 to $4,720. Grants may be limited based on the FAFSA application date, number of applicants, and funding levels appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

Page 14: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my financial aid notification? If you have been admitted to Eastern and you have filed the 2014-2015 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should receive your financial aid notification by April 15th. If your file is selected for verification and we request additional documents from you, please respond immediately. This way we can complete the verification process and award financial aid.

What does it mean to be verified? During verification we compare what was filed on the FAFSA against Verification Worksheets and related tax docu-ments. If there are corrections to be made, we send the corrections through the Federal Central Processor System and a correction file is returned, with a new EFC (if the corrections generate a change in EFC). Approxmiately 30% of files are selected for verification.

How do I access my financial aid award? 1. Log into PAWS at www.eiu.edu/pawslogin/ using your EIU New ID and password. Your Net ID and password are listed on your admission letter and can also be accessed on your MyEIU checklist. If you need help accessing PAWS, please contact the Office of Admissions at 217-581-2223.

2. Select the Financial Aid menu, and click Award.

3. Click on Award for Aid Year.

4. Select the 2014-2015 aid year.

5. Click on the Term and Conditions tab and follow the instructions provided before you are able to accept your awards.

6. Review your awards on the Award Overview tab. TIP: You can print a copy of your award letter from this tab by simply selecting the ‘Print’ button located at the top of this page.

7. Click on Accept Award Offer and you may Accept ‘Full Amount All Awards’ if you would like to accept all aid as it appears. You may also individually Accept or Decline each award offered and Submit Decision.

8. Finally, go to the Resources/Additional Information tab and complete Disbursement Authorization.

Page 15: EIU Financial Aid Overview

What if I think my parents make too much money? Should I still file a FAFSA? Yes, you should always file the FAFSA. This expands opportunities for both you and your parents for access to student and parent loans (if needed). Also, some scholarship opportunities require FAFSA completion.

How can I change my EFC and when can I change it during the semester? When there is a valid change to FAFSA data, there may be an associated change in a student’s Expected Family Contri-bution (EFC). As for professional judgment requests (e.g. parent loss of employment) we ask for students/parents to submit documentation no sooner than May 1st, in order for the Office of Financial Aid to review the information.

How much of my award is scholarships/loans/work study? This depends on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) from the FAFSA. The lower the EFC, the more grant aid will be awarded.

Are there additional scholarships? We always encourage students to look in their local communities for scholarship support (e.g. local community organizations and community foundations). Students are also encouraged to speak with guidance counselors in their respective high schools regarding scholarships in the area. Students can also use the scholarship search engine on the EIU website to check for scholarship resources. The website is www.eiu.edu/scholarships.

What if I receive a private scholarship, will it eventually show up on my award letter? Private scholarships are first routed through the Business Office for deposit and a copy of the information is sent to the Office of Financial Aid. With this process, private scholarships are included on the student’s financial aid award letter and may result in changes to initial awards.

How do private scholarships work with my financial aid package? When a student receives a private scholarship and their current awards do not equal cost-of-attendance (COA), the amount is simply added to the total financial aid package. If the student already has a financial aid package equal to COA, then the private scholarship reduces one of the other financial aid amounts. Generally private scholarships reduce loan amounts.

Page 16: EIU Financial Aid Overview

What is the difference between an unsubsidized and subsidized loan? Stafford Subsidized Loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while a student is in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government “subsidizes” (or pays) the interest during these times. Following are the maximum amounts a student can receive per school year.

Freshman (1-29 credit hours): $3,500 per year Sophomore (30-59 credit hours): $4,500 per year Junior (60-89 credit hours): $5,500 per year Senior and 5th year (90+ credit hours): $5,500 per year

Stafford Unsubsidized Loans are federally guaranteed loans that are not based on financial need. Interest does accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. Following are the maximum amounts a student can receive per school year for dependent and independent students.

Freshman: $2,000 for dependent students, $6,000 for independent students Sophomore: $2,000 for dependent students, $6,000 for independent students Junior: $2,000 for dependent students, $7,000 for independent students Senior and 5th year: $2,000 for dependent students, $7,000 for independent students

What is a parent PLUS Loan and how does it impact a student’s financial aid? The PLUS Loan can be used to fill the gap between cost of attendance and financial aid offered. It is offered as an op-tion to help cover the costs of attendance.

How do I take out a loan for school? All educational loans are processed through the Office of Financial Aid. Even private educational loans (through banks and other lenders) are usually certified by a staff person in the Office of Financial Aid. More information is available through the Office of Financial Aid website at www.eiu.edu/~finaid/loan.php.

What is work study? Work-study is an opportunity for students to work at a job on campus and earn $8.25/hour. This is a need-based award for students who are Pell eligible. FWS (Federal Work-Study) is an allocation through the Federal government and limited funds are available.

Page 17: EIU Financial Aid Overview

If my parent becomes unemployed after the award letter has been issued, can a change be made for that semester? If a student/parent financial situation changes, contact the Office of Financial Aid in writing (email) between May 1st and December 1st to determine if the situation falls within the guidelines for a Professional Judgment Review. The deadline for these requests is December 1st. Students/parents are asked not to update information on the FAFSA online or through the Federal Processor.

If I’m admitted for fall term, but decide to begin school in the spring term, how does that affect my financial aid package? If a student does not attend school (anywhere) in the fall term and begins school in the spring term, all of the student loan funds can be applied to the spring term. For example, for a freshman student with $3,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized loan eligibility, could all be disbursed $3,500/$2,000 SP rather than $1,750/$1,000 FA/SP. The remain-der of the package would be based on one-term only e.g. one term of Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, PELL Grant, MAP Grant, and so on, based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Does Eastern have payment plans? Yes, you can view the plans at www.eiu.edu/~busofc/bursar_paymentplan.php.

How does a College Illinois! account work with respect to financial aid, tuition, room/board, etc.? College Illinois! is a 529 Prepaid Tuition Program that allows families to pay for tuition and mandatory fees at current rates in order to avoid future tuition inflation. Students are responsible for all other charges such as refundable fees, housing, meals, printing, etc.

A College Illinois! account includes a specific number of tuition credit hours and mandatory fee payments. Each semester of a College Illinois! plan is the equivalent of 15 credit hours and one mandatory fee payment. For example, if your parent purchased an 8 semester plan, your account contains 120 credit hours and 8 mandatory fee payments. Your College Illinois! account is maintained by the actual number of credit hours enrolled. Therefore, if you enroll for 18 credit hours, College Illinois! will deduct 18 hours from your account, not 15. This means that if you repeatedly enroll for 16 or more credit hours per semester, your account will be depleted faster than if you enrolled for 15 or less.

For more information visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website at www.529prepaidtuition.org.

Page 18: EIU Financial Aid Overview

At Eastern Illinois University, we’re here to help you so please contact us if you have any questions:

Office of Financial Aid 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920-3099

217-581-6405 or 217-581-5249

Email: [email protected] Website: www.eiu.edu/finaid

Office of Admissions 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920-3099

877-581-2348 or 217-581-2223

Email: [email protected] Website: www.eiu.edu/admissions.php

Page 19: EIU Financial Aid Overview
Page 20: EIU Financial Aid Overview

Office of Financial Aid 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920-3099

217-581-6405 or 217-581-5249

Email: [email protected] www.eiu.edu/finaid