Eureka College Expands Offer of Tuition-Free Bachelor Degree

All graduates from these schools who meet the requirements are eligible to apply as a part of Eureka’s growing Uniquely Eureka Promise Program.

This promise scholarship is designed to cover the remaining tuition charge for incoming students who have both graduated from these schools and meet specific academic and financial aid requirements.

The Uniquely Eureka Promise is a promise to assist students in a financial need, who have proven themselves successfully academically. Since 2018, this EC program has provided in-state community college transfer students financial relief, and allowed them to stay focused on their academic achievements without the worry of financing a full-time tuition charge. 

Now, it’s expanding.

“We're excited and proud to be able to offer the Promise Scholarship to students from these three great high schools,” Dean of Enrollment Management Mac Ingmire said. “This scholarship is an opportunity for finances to no longer be a hurdle for students who have proven themselves academically and have wanted to pursue one of the best liberal arts educations in the state. This scholarship opportunity will change the lives of its recipients, and we look forward to providing this opportunity for years to come.”

The eligibility requirements for the students from these schools are as follows: a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher; current residency in the state of Illinois and U.S. citizenship for at least a year; eligible to receive State of Illinois MAP grant and Federal Pell grant as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a FAFSA EFC of 1,000 or less; enrollment at EC in a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester; acceptance and use of all federal and state grants each year of the program before Eureka College makes up the difference for tuition cost; and a commitment to volunteer 40 hours with the college over the course of four school years.

“As principal at Eureka High School, I'm always looking for ways to help students be successful after high school.” Eureka High School Principal Kirk Edwards said. “The ‘Uniquely Eureka Promise’ program is a great opportunity for our students who qualify. I believe that this program will grow in the years to come, and I'm excited that Eureka High School will be part of it.”

“The City of Eureka is a community built on support and relationships,” Eureka Mayor Scott Zimmer said. “We are proud to see that Eureka College's expansion of the Uniquely Eureka Promise is just that. Eureka College has created an initiative to support our local students financially and enable them to get a quality education right here in their hometown. Relationships like this are strong building blocks for our future.”

Applicants must also meet all deadline dates. To be eligible for the fall semester, admission applications must be submitted by July 1. To be eligible for the spring semester, admission applications must be submitted by Dec. 1.

For more information, contact the Eureka College Admissions Office at admissions@eureka.edu or 1-888-438-7352.

At Eureka College, students tailor their learning experience to their own individual needs and interests while acquiring skills that are essential to today’s employers around the world.

Located in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, Eureka College cultivates excellence in learning, service and leadership while providing students uniquely personalized and custom educational opportunities.

Originally founded by abolitionist members of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois and only the third in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis. The College, which is located on nearly 70 wooded acres in central Illinois is the smallest of only 23 colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States.