Scholarships

More than $26 million in scholarships and awards available annually

Western Illinois University proudly supports students’ academic achievements through our scholarship opportunities. Explore our automatic scholarships for freshman and transfer students below.

Our application-based scholarships are made possible through generous financial support from our alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff who believe a high-quality education should be accessible without imposing excessive financial burden.

Scholarship Information 2025-26

AIM HIGH Western Commitment Scholarships: up to $6,000

Automatic awards up to $6,000, $4,000 or $2,000 per year based only on your HS GPA

Alumni Legacy Scholarships: Up to $1,000

Awards up to $1,000 per year to children and grandchildren of WIU graduates

Local Leatherneck Housing Scholarships: Up to $3,000

Awards up to $3,000 for housing if your hometown is near Macomb

Transfer Commitment Scholarships: Up to $2,000

Automatic awards up to $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 per year based on your college GPA

Local Leatherneck Housing Scholarships: Up to $3,000

Awards up to $3,000 for housing if your hometown is near Macomb

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: Up to $1,000

Awards up to $1,000 to members of Phi Theta Kappa

General Scholarships

View the list of awards and 'How to Apply' information below. May 1, 2025 is the application deadline for Fall 2025 students.

+ How to Apply

Specialized Scholarships: Varied Application Deadlines
Scholarship	GPA, ACT	Requirements	Award	Deadline
Fraternal Order of Police Book Scholarship	No minimum requirements	Full time; Resident of McDonough County when graduated from high school	$100	January 5 for spring semester August 1 for fall semester
Episcopal Church of St. George Harold McMullen Memorial Scholarship	At least sophomore class level; enrolled full time	Preference to Episcopal faith attending an Episcopal church; good academic and judicial standing	$500	September 27

President's Scholarship: 100% of tuition and more

Awards 100% of your tuition, fees, room and meal plan

Departmental Scholarships

Select a department to view available scholarships.

Accounting
Agriculture
Alumni Relations
Art
College of Arts & Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Biological Sciences
Broadcasting
College of Business and Technology
Chemistry
Communication
Computer Science
Counselor Education
College of Education and Human Services
Earth, Atmospheric, and Geographic Information Sciences Scholarships
Economics & Decision Sciences
Education
Engineering and Technology
English
Finance
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Health Sciences
History
Instructional Design and Technology
Journalism
Kinesiology (Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education)
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA)
Library
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
Nursing
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies
Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA)
Social Work
Sociology & Anthropology
Speech Pathology & Audiology
Study Abroad
Teacher Education (CPEP)
Theatre and Dance

Scholarships are more than just financial support. They are an investment in the future. For students like me, they provide the opportunity to pursue our passions and education without the burden of financial stress.

Jewel Pippin

Nursing

Recipient of the Germeraad Memorial Health Scholarship

Students who started classes at WIU in Summer 2024, Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 can find award and renewal criteria here.

Students who started classes at WIU in Summer 2023, Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 can find award and renewal criteria here.

Students who started classes at WIU in Summer 2022, Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 can find award and renewal criteria here.

Foundation and department scholarships that require an application are available on the Scholarship Portal.

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