Admissions

Group of students celebrating with Rocky (costumed mascot) in front of Hanson Field gateway entrance

You're In!

Next Steps for Graduate Students

Paying for Graduate School
Explore Housing & Dining Options

Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.

Graduate & Family Housing

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. Explore Western's graduate and family housing options on our housing website.

Off-campus housing

Meal Plans

The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. You also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) account. Your ECom username is provided inside the cover of your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).

3. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The University participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Work-Study Program, and the Federal Direct Loan Program. For detailed information on the application process, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Some departments have special scholarship opportunities for graduate students. Information concerning these scholarships can be obtained from the Scholarship Office.

4. Attend a New Graduate Student Orientation

A postcard invitation will be sent to you with details to attend an orientation at either the Macomb or Quad Cities campus.

5. Submit your Housing Application

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. When you apply, you will indicate your Living-Learning community preference, hall preference (if transferring with 30 or more credit hours), roommate preference, choose a meal plan, and will answer a series of lifestyle questions.

6. Submit Immunization Records

The state of Illinois requires college and university students to provide proof of immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubeola, and Meningitis. Vaccines are available for purchase at Beu Health Center.

All required immunization information must be submitted and in compliance within the first 10 days of the semester on campus. Failure to do so will result in registration encumbrance and a processing fee. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.

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