EIU Graduate School

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

http://www.eiu.edu/finaid/cost.php
Tuition and fees are subject to change with Board approval. Students are advised to consult the web site listed above for the most current tuition and fee information. The tuition and fees listed below are for Fall 2009, Spring 2010, and Summer 2010.

Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is assessed for all post-baccalaureate students based on residency. Tuition is assessed at the rate listed below for each semester hour of enrollment regardless of course level.

Graduate Fees
Graduate fees for Programs and Services are assessed at a per hour rate listed below for each semester hour of enrollment for part-time students.  Part-time for billing purposes is defined as enrollment for less than 12 semester hours of study. Fees are assessed at the full-time rate for students who are enrolled full-time. Full-time for billing purposes is defined as enrollment in 12 or more semester hours. Eastern Illinois University requires that all eligible students who enroll in nine or more on-campus hours be covered by health insurance and provides a Plan of medical coverage for injury and illness for which the fee is automatically assessed along with tuition and fees. During the summer term the Health & Accident Insurance Fee is assessed at $87.45. Graduate students enrolled part-time are not eligible for Student Legal Service.  In addition to the fees below the Campus Improvement Fee is $12.00 per semester hour.

School of Continuing Education
The School of Continuing Education creates and delivers student/consumer sensitive programs through diverse educational delivery systems. These programs greatly enhance the cultural, educational and professional development opportunities for individuals seeking continuing education. Recognizing rapidly changing educational needs of society, the unit extends the academic resources of the University in a cost-efficient manner to provide access to on and off campus programs. Costs are based on the current per hour rate of tuition, the per hour rate for textbook rental, and a per semester hour continuing education fee of $44.00.

Graduate School Application Fee. A $30.00 fee is required at the time of application.

Career Services Fee. There is a $30 fee for current undergraduates, graduates, and Alumni to register their placement credentials with Career Services.

Charges for Materials. Fees may be assessed for materials used in certain graduate courses.

Graduation Fee.
www.eiu.edu/paws/: Candidates for graduation must access the PAWS system for the on-line application. A non-refundable graduation fee of $25 ($15 for completion of a certificate program) is applied to the student’s account. The fee of $25 for graduate degree candidates does not include the cost of cap and gown rental. The last day for applying for graduation is listed in the University Calendar and/or Class Schedule.

Late Registration Fee. An additional and non-refundable fee of $25 is charged to a student who enrolls after the beginning of the late registration period.

Library Service Fee. All library materials must be returned by the end of each term. Students will be billed for lost or mutilated materials. Failure to resolve library matters promptly will result in loss of borrowing privileges throughout the library system and a hold being placed on academic records, which will disallow registration or release of transcripts.

Official Receipts. Official receipts for fees must be preserved by the student during the term involved.

Penalty for Returned Checks. A $15 fine will be charged on all checks returned to the University for non-payment for any reason.

Student Identification Card. Student I.D. cards are issued to new students their first term of enrollment. To obtain a student I.D. card, students must submit an acceptable form of photo identification, such as a drivers license, a military I.D., passport, or a state I.D. The first card is free. The cost for a replacement card due to damage or name change is $10. A $20 fee is assessed for replacement of lost or stolen cards.

Transcript Fee. A fee of $5 will be charged for each transcript issued. Transcripts will be issued only for students whose records are clear. The fee for “Rush” transcripts, processed within 24 hours, is $10. The fee for an immediate transcript is $15.

Textbook Rental Service Fines. Students not returning textbooks by announced deadlines at semester or term ends are subject to a fines per book. Lost textbooks must be paid for at full replacement cost. Students may also be required to pay re-placement costs for textbooks in which they have written or highlighted, which have been subjected to unusual wear, or which have been water damaged.

International Student Fee: All international students are assessed a $100.00 fee each semester or term of enrollment. The fee is used to fund field trips, newsletters, arrival assistance, conversation partners network, and other activities that support international students.

The term “refund” is defined as the cancellation of an unpaid obligation as well as an actual refund of an amount previously paid.  Exceptions to the tuition and mandatory fees refund policy must be submitted in writing to the Office of Enrollment Management, for consideration.  Appeals of denials of such requests may be made to the Vice President for Student Affairs, but no later than 60 calendar days following the close of the session for which the refund would have been applicable. See Internal Governing Policy #65 at: http://www.eiu.edu/~auditing/IGP/policy65.html

Early Registration

Cancellation
If a student registers and pays his/her fees prior to the late registration date for the term but decides not to attend the University, all fees will be refunded if notice is given in writing to the Registration Office before the late registration date for the term. If such written notice is not given before the late registration date but is given by the last day to withdraw without a grade, all fees (except insurance) will be refunded.
Reduction in Load
Upon written request, a student who initially pays full tuition and mandatory fees and then reduces his/her load to part-time by the last day to withdraw without a grade will be refunded the difference (except insurance, where applicable). A student receiving such a refund will not be eligible for activities and benefits covered by the refunded fees. A student will be billed for the number of credit hours scheduled as of the 10th class day for fall or spring; fifth class day for summer.

Return of Title IV Funds

www.eiu.edu/~finaid/text/titleIV.htm: Federal regulations govern the return of Title IV funds disbursed for a student who completely withdraws from a semester. This rule assumes that a student earns his or her aid based on the period of time he or she remained enrolled. During the first 60 percent of the semester, a student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. The percentage of time during the semester that the student remained enrolled is the percentage of disbursed aid for that period that the student earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60 percent point earns all aid for the semester. A copy of the policy may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or visit the web site above. The Office of Financial Aid will return unearned aid to the federal government. The student is then responsible for returning the unearned aid he or she has received to the University.

Satisfactory Progress Requirements

www.eiu.edu/~finaid/text/cost3.htm: In accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, Eastern Illinois University is required to establish satisfactory standards for federal and state financial aid recipients. The minimum and maximum standards to receive financial aid are monitored at the end of every semester. There are two minimum standards that must be monitored, cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and completion rate (cumulative completed/attempted hours). Graduate students must have an academic standing consistent with the requirement for graduation from the program as stated in the Graduate Catalog, AND can not exceed more than 48 cumulative attempted hours. Graduate students are required to meet a 75% minimum completion rate. If a student is not making progress under the minimum standards, he/she will be placed on financial aid probation and allowed the following semester of enrollment to achieve the minimum standards. At the end of the probation period, if the student has not achieved satisfactory progress, financial aid suspension occurs. If a financial aid recipient loses his or her eligibility due to suspension, an appeal may be filed through the Vice President for Student Affairs Office. The Satisfactory Academic Progress to Receive Financial Aid Policy and/or an appeal form may be obtained upon request from the Office of Financial Aid or at the above web site.

Assistantships

www.eiu.edu/~graduate/: Graduate assistantships are available to qualified graduate students. An on-line application is available at the above web site. Completed assistantship applications should be submitted by February 15. Programs may establish other deadlines. Students interested in assistantships should contact individual programs for specific details.

Eligibility

To be eligible the applicant must have earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (4.00 scale) on the graded academic course work from the degree-granting institution and have been fully admitted to a graduate degree program or must have earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (4.00 scale) on the last 60 semester hours of graded academic course work from the degree-granting institution and have been fully admitted to a graduate degree program. This requirement may not be waived or appealed. Graduate students who have not earned a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA or 2.75 on the last 60 semester hours of graded undergraduate course work become eligible for assistantships after they complete 9 semester hours of graduate course work (courses numbered 4750 or higher) and earn a graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher. Provisional candidates must complete 12 or more semester hours of graduate course work while earning and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and completion of all of the provisions required by the program to be eligible for candidacy. Candidacy is a requirement for assistantship eligibility.

Contract Requirements

http://www.eiu.edu/~graduate/forms/GAhandbook2009.pdf: Contract regulations are specified in the Graduate Assistant Handbook available at the above web site. Fall and spring assistantship appointments require that graduate assistants remain enrolled as degree-seeking students for a minimum of nine semester hours of graduate course work (courses numbered 4750 or above). With prior approval of the Graduate Dean, assistants may substitute undergraduate teacher certification, professional certification or required prerequisite courses for the graduate courses required for compliance with assistantship requirements; however, the student must remain enrolled as a degree-seeking student for a minimum of nine semester hours. Contracts are terminated if students fail to comply with this regulation.

Summer assistantship appointments require that graduate assistants remain enrolled as degree-seeking students for a minimum of three semester hours of graduate course work (courses numbered 4750 or above). With prior approval of the Graduate Dean, assistants may substitute undergraduate teacher certification, professional certification, or required prerequisite courses for the graduate courses required for compliance with assistantship requirements; however, the student must remain enrolled on campus as a degree-seeking student for a minimum of three semester hours. Contracts are terminated if students fail to comply with this regulation.

If at the end of any fall or spring grading period, an assistant has failed to complete nine semester hours of graduate course work or approved prerequisites, or if at the end of a summer term an assistant has failed to complete three semester hours of graduate course work or approved prerequisites, or if the cumulative graduate grade-point average and approved undergraduate prerequisites is below 3.00, the graduate assistant contract will be terminated.

Graduate Assistants must demonstrate professional conduct, be in compliance with the student conduct code, perform assistantship duties to the satisfaction of the supervisor, and meet the standards for degree-seeking students as established by the Graduate School.

Assistants may be obligated to provide 16 to 19 clock hours of service per week to the employing unit. Contracts specify both the number of clock hours and duties and may include teaching, research, or university service.

Presidential Graduate Assistantships

Presidential Graduate Assistantships are a specialized set of assistantships that are designed to provide additional support for graduate programs during the academic year and offer an additional opportunity to attract academically talented graduate candidates to the program. To be eligible for a Presidential Assistantship, candidates must meet all of the criteria established by the Council on Graduate Studies. The criteria are outlined in the Graduate Catalog and on the Graduate School web site. The assistants must also meet the standard requirements for retention outlined in the assistantship agreement and specified in the Graduate Catalog.

Assistantship Waivers and Stipends

Graduate assistants who are in compliance with enrollment in nine semester hours of graduate course work or approved prerequisites during the fall/spring terms and three semester hours of graduate course work or approved prerequisites during the summer term will receive a tuition waiver scholarship unless specified in the contract. Audited courses are not covered by the tuition waiver scholarship benefit. Tuition waiver scholarships will apply to courses offered off-campus if they are required for the degree program as indicated on the graduate study plan and if the courses are not part of a tuition cost recovery program or classified as sponsored credit as verified by the School of Continuing Education. Tuition waiver scholarships are provided in recognition of the graduate assistant’s academic accomplishments. The scholarships are provided as part of the financial aid package, but they are not related to services. Program and service fees are not waived as part of a tuition waiver scholarship. Assistants receive a monthly stipend that varies according to the terms specified in the contract. In return for the stipend, the appointee agrees to perform the duties assigned by the academic or administrative unit. The contract period is specified on the contract. Graduate assistants may not hold any other contracts with the University such as civil service, faculty, or student employment contracts during the period; however, graduate assistants may be approved for a Graduate Assistant Supplemental Contract. The criteria for a Graduate Assistant Supplemental Contract is described below.

Graduate Assistant Supplemental Contracts

Graduate assistants may be considered for supplemental non-recurring contracts for work that is related to a specific area of expertise. The combined hours of work required for the assistantship and the supplemental contract must remain at or below an average of 20 clock hours per week and the supplemental duties may not be part of the assistant’s regularly assigned assistantship duties. A department/unit offering a supplemental assistantship contract forwards the contract to the assistant’s primary employment unit for approval. The primary employment unit forwards the contract to the Graduate School. Requests for supplemental contracts must be approved with required signatures prior to performance of the work. Requests for approval and compensation after the work is completed will not be approved. Agents or supervisors are responsible for ensuring completion of paperwork prior to completion of work. The criteria for securing a supplemental contract include:

• The work is not part of the assistant’s assigned duties
• The work is related to the assistant’s specialized area of expertise
• The work is non-recurring
• The combined supplemental contract and regular assistantship hours remain at or below 20 per week
• The contract is approved prior to completion of the work:
• The contract is approved by the Primary Employment Unit and the Graduate Dean

For further details and examples please refer to the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.

Summer Tuition Waiver Scholarships

Graduate students who have held an assistantship contract for at least four months immediately preceding summer term or who have signed a graduate assistant contract for fall semester may apply for a summer term tuition waiver scholarship. Summer tuition waiver scholarships require that students remain enrolled for at least 3 semester hours of graduate level course work or approved prerequisites during the summer term. Only one summer tuition waiver per nine-month graduate assistant contract may be claimed. Tuition waiver scholarships are terminated if students fail to comply with this regulation. Tuition waiver scholarships are provided in recognition of the graduate assistant’s academic accomplishments. The scholarships are provided as part of the financial aid package, but they are not related to services. Tuition waiver scholarships are subject to the availability of funding and are not guaranteed.

Federal Work-Study program is available to students who want to work a part-time job on campus. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. If awarded Federal Work-Study, the student will be guaranteed a job working on campus at minimum wage. The student must be enrolled for a minimum of six hours. Limited funds are available for this program so students should apply early. For additional information, contact the Student Employment Office.

www.eiu.edu/~finaid/text/jobs.htm: Employment opportunities are posted in the office and at the above web site for jobs both on campus and in the community. Regular Student Employment is a part-time job on campus. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need but must be enrolled in a minimum of six hours. Applications are available in the Student Employment Office or students may apply directly to the department where they would like to work.

http://www.eiu.edu/~interntl/applications_forms/scholarshipapp.pdf: International student scholarships are intended to promote cultural exchange and diversity. There are a limited number of awards and the selection criteria include academic achievement and financial need. The award may waive all or a portion of tuition with the upper limit of the award equal to the credit hours for minimum full-time enrollment. The amount of the award is determined by the International Programs Advisory Committee. Application should be made to the International Student Advisor. Applications are available at the above web site address. Paper applications are available on request from the International Programs Office.

• Eligibility:  Eligibility is limited to students maintaining F-1 or J-1 immigration status. Scholarships will be canceled without notice if students do not arrive in the United States with the appropriate visa, or if Form I-20/Form DS-2019 from another institution was used to obtain the visa.
• Benefits: The scholarships pay tuition costs only. Program fees, field trips, travel, living expenses, and other personal expenses must be paid by the applicant.

www.eiu.edu/~finaid/text/psa3.htm   Information regarding Federal Direct Student Loans, Private-Alternative Loan sources and comparison tools, and information regarding institutional short-term loans are available through the Office of Financial Aid.

Military Science training has been offered at Eastern Illinois University since 1980. The program is voluntary, leading to a commission as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard upon completion of a two-year program. This program is specifically designed to meet the needs of graduate students as well as other students who have at least four semesters of college study remaining. Illinois State and Federal ROTC Scholarships are available to qualified students. For information, contact the Professor of Military Science, Eastern Illinois University at 581-5944.

http://www.eiu.edu/~scholars/ Please visit this web site for a search of available scholarships and awards. Entering “graduate” in the “year in school” field will filter all scholarships available to graduate students.

Veterans

www.eiu.edu/~finaid/text/psa2.htm#veterans   Eastern Illinois University is an approved institution for Veteran Affairs benefit and scholarship programs. Contact the Veteran Services Office at 217 581-5227 for further information.

DFI: Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois
The Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Program (DFI) was established by the Illinois General Assembly and signed as Public Act 093-0862 in August of 2004. This act combines the the Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunity Program (ICEOP) and the Illinois Minority Graduate Incentive Program (IMGIP) into a single fellowship program. The purpose of DFI is to increase the number of underrepresented faculty and staff in Illinois institutions of higher education and higher education governing boards.
The institutional representative for Eastern Illinois University is the Assistant Dean of Graduate and International Admissions in the Graduate School. Applications are available online at the following web site: www.imgip.siu.edu/

Illinois Future Corps (IFTC) Program
The IFTC Program provides scholarships for up to $10,000 per year to assist academically talented students who plan to pursue careers as public preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers in disciplines that have been designated as Teacher Shortage Disciplines in the State of Illinois and or agree to teach at a hard-to-staff school. Candidates for this scholarship must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be an undergraduate or graduate seeking initial teacher certification in a Teacher Shortage discipline, and must sign a teaching agreement if awarded the scholarship. Additional requirements are to be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, resident of Illinois and be enrolled at least half time. Candidates must complete a Teacher Education Scholarship Application, and send the application to ISAC postmarked on or before March 1st immediately preceding the regular school year for which the scholarship is being requested in order to receive priority consideration for the award. Applications are available online at www.collegezone.com/giftassist/753_7661.htm.

Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship
The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program provides scholarships of up to $5000 per year to assist individuals of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin who plan to become teachers at the preschool, elementary or secondary level. Students receiving this scholarship must fulfill a teaching commitment by teaching full-time one year for each year of assistance received. The teaching agreement must be fulfilled at an Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary, or secondary school, at which no less than 30% of those enrolled are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American minority students. If the teaching commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan, and the student must repay the entire amount plus interest. Candidates for this scholarship must be a minority student who is currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student on at least a half-time basis, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and must be a U.S. Citizen and Illinois resident. Student should be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a Teacher Education Program, or in a curriculum leading to initial teacher certification. Student cannot be in default on any student loan or owe a refund on any state or federal grant, and must be making satisfactory academic progress. This scholarship is not awarded to those receiving an ITEACH Teacher Shortage Scholarship or an Illinois Special Education Teacher Scholarship in the same year. The student must complete a Teacher Education Scholarship Programs Application and forward the completed application to ISAC postmarked on or before March 1st immediately preceding the regular school year for which the scholarship is being requested in order to receive priority consideration. Applications are available online at www.collegezone.com/giftassist/753_1231.htm.

Illinois Special Education Teacher Scholarship
The Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program encourages current teachers and academically talented students to pursue careers in any area of special education as a public, private or parochial elementary or secondary school teacher in Illinois. Recipients are exempt from paying tuition and fees at an eligible institution for up to four calendar years. Candidates for this scholarship must be enrolled in a program seeking initial certification in any area of special education. Individual must be a U.S. citizen, Illinois resident, and not have received for four years, or been offered but then declined, the Illinois Special Education Teacher Waiver in the past. Candidates must also be making satisfactory academic progress at the University and sign a teaching agreement if awarded the scholarship. Candidates cannot be in default on any federal student loan. This scholarship is not awarded to those receiving an Illinois Future Corps (IFTC) Scholarship or a Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship in the same year. Applicants must complete the Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver application and mail to ISAC postmarked on or before March 1st immediately preceding the regular school year for which the scholarship is being requested in order to receive priority consideration. The application is available at www.collegezone.com/giftassist/753_1212.htm.