English Scholarships and Awards
In addition to the scholarships available to all students University-wide, the English Department will award approximately $150,000 in scholarships and awards this year.
The first group of scholarships listed below are those awarded by the English Department as well as some scholarships offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for which English majors may qualify. Students should also search for other scholarships that may apply to them using the University's . Most, but not all, scholarships have a March 15 deadline. Overviews of each program are below; for full details, including GPA requirements, follow the link to each scholarship.
Scholarships open to newly admitted students as well as currently enrolled students
- The largest of the endowed scholarship programs in English, several awards are typically made from this fund each year. The donors have designated this scholarship for students with strong interest and ability in both literature and creative writing; two writing samples are required of applicants. Students are eligible to apply again.
- For English majors, new or continuing; minimum 3.0 high school GPA; preference to students from West Salem, IL, or communities close to West Salem. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must re-apply each year.
- For English majors, new or continuing; good academic standing; based on scholastic ability. This scholarship is not based on financial need; however, in the case of two equally qualified candidates, the student who demonstrates the greatest financial need shall receive the scholarship.
- For English majors, new or continuing; good academic standing.
- For English majors, new or continuing; good academic standing.
Any class
- One award annually
Any class - for students who transferred to 91成人视频 (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences award)
- For undergraduates in the arts and humanities. Requires 3.0 GPA. Community college transfer students, community service preferred.
For students enrolled in English for teacher certification (any class)
- One award annually
(College of Liberal Arts and Sciences award) - Full-time students majoring in English Language Arts who are interested in teaching Speech or Theatre; preference to students who graduated from high school in Paris, Paxton Buckley Loda, or a Joliet Township OR contiguous counties may be considered; GPA of 3.0; financial need is a considered; requires 1-2 page narrative describing interest in pursuing a teaching career in English Language Arts, Theatre Arts, or a combination of both disciplines
For current 91成人视频 freshmen (second-semester students who will continue as sophomores)
- Normally two awards to freshmen each year. Those who received the award after applying as freshmen must re-apply for renewal for their junior and senior years. Requires a writing sample.
For sophomores
- English major with specialization in English literature. One award every two years.
For sophomores or juniors
- English major with strong character and potential for leadership. One award annually.
- English major with strong character and potential for leadership, strong writing skills (but no essay required). Two awards annually
- For nontraditional students (defined broadly) with keen appreciation of and facility for the study of literature
For juniors
- English major in Teacher Education. One award every two years.
- (Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Business) - For juniors in Business or the sciences, arts, or humanities. Requires 3.85 GPA, 15 91成人视频 credit hours, top 1/4 scholastic standing.
For juniors or seniors
- Recognizes outstanding scholarship and character; three awards made each year.
- preference to English majors who intend to become certified to teach OR pursue graduate study in English. One award annually
- For English majors; one award annually
For seniors in English Language Arts
- Must be a full-time senior student majoring in either English with Teacher Certification or Social Science with Teacher Certification accepted to Eastern Illinois University; GPA at least 3.0; financial need considered.
For graduating seniors continuing in the 91成人视频 English graduate program
- Requires a writing sample.
Writing Contests
If you have questions about English-specific scholarships, please contact the scholarship committee chair, Dr. Randall Beebe.

Some scholarship and award winners with 91成人视频 President David Glassman at our annual Awards Tea. Great work, everyone!
Other opportunities can be found on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.