Automatic panther Family Scholarship
Are you part of the Panther family? The 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Automatic Panther Family Scholarship offers a special opportunity for students with a direct connection to Eastern Illinois University.
Join the 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ tradition and let your family legacy help pave the way for your success at Eastern Illinois University!
Beginning fall 2025, if you have an immediate family member — such as a parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, or child — who graduated from 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, you could be eligible! This scholarship is awarded at $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (or 4 consecutive semesters for transfers), provided you maintain the renewal criteria. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required, along with meeting all other AIM HIGH requirements.
91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Automatic Panther Family Scholarship FAQ
How do I qualify?
You will qualify for the 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Panther Family Scholarship if:
- You have a minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale, as shown on official transcripts sent by June 1
- You have an immediate family member (defined as a parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling or child) who graduated from Eastern Illinois University
- You are admitted to 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ as a full-time incoming first-year or transfer student
- You have your 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ financial aid packaged and completed by June 1 of the year you intend to enroll
- You meet all other AIM HIGH Grant requirements
- You meet renewal criteria after your first year
How do I apply?
No separate application is required. When you apply, be sure to indicate you have an immediate family member who graduated from 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, complete your FAFSA requirements and be admitted to 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ by June 1!
I qualify, but I was not awarded this scholarship. What do I do?
Fill out this form, and our admissions team will review your qualifications!
Do current students or 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ graduate students apply?
Do transfer students qualify?
How much is the scholarship award?
$1,000 per year. Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (or 4 consecutive semesters for transfer students) if renewal criteria is met.
Will the program be available to me my entire time at 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ?
For most students, yes. You can be eligible for the program for up to eight continuous semesters (Fall and Spring) at 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, as long as you meet the renewal criteria. The program is dependent upon continued state appropriation of associated funds.
What are the renewal criteria?
To remain qualified after your first year, you must:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Stay continuously enrolled as a full-time student at 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ (summer enrollment not required)
- Meet AIM HIGH Grant requirements
- Maintain Illinois residency
Do I need to submit a FAFSA?
Yes, to initially qualify for this program, you must submit a FAFSA at . We recommend you file your FAFSA as soon as possible, and make sure to include 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ’s school code (001674) on your FAFSA so we receive your information.
How do I maintain full-time enrollment at 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ?
You must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours by the published census date policy each semester. Full-time enrollment is assumed until census date.
How is the 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Panther Family Scholarship funded?
In Spring 2018, the Higher Education Working Group — a bipartisan group of Illinois legislators interested in finding common-ground and viable solutions — proposed and passed a new merit-based grant program. That program, the , was signed into law in August 2018. The 91³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Panther Family Scholarship program is dependent on that grant and on state appropriation annually.