Financial Aid
AIM HIGH ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Commitment Scholarship for New Freshmen Entering 2026-27
| Award Amount | Eligibility (What You Need) | Scholarship Renewal Requirements |
| Up to $6,000 | 3.5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale | 3.0 GPA at WIU, maximum of six additional semesters |
| Up to $4,000 | 3.00 - 3.49 GPA on a 4.0 scale | 3.0 GPA at WIU, maximum of six additional semesters |
AIM HIGH ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Commitment is a merit-based, means-tested matching grant pilot program by the State of Illinois designed to help achieve several state goals including increasing overall Illinois college student retention, improving Illinois college affordability and reducing student loan debt, as well as enhancing enrollment at Illinois public universities. The program began with incoming freshmen for the 2019-20 academic year. AIM HIGH ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Commitment grant funds along with other financial aid cannot exceed a student's total cost of attendance. The grant is not available in the summer.
Funds are limited and eligibility is based on 2026-27 FAFSA results. ÌýIf eligible and funds are available, AIM HIGH ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Commitment will be listed on the student’s financial aid award letter once their FAFSA has been processed by the Financial Aid Office. Students must activate their ECOM, email, and STARS accounts to receive financial aid correspondence.
- For summer/fall 2026, the priority deadline to apply for admission is March 1, 2026. Register for classes by August 1, 2026.
- For spring 2027, the priority deadline to apply for admission is November 1. Register for classes by January 1, 2027.
An eligible applicant is a first-time incoming freshman accepted into an undergraduate degree program who meets the following requirements:
- Graduate of an Illinois high school
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA (based on final, official transcript)
- Meet the Family Income Guidelines*
- Illinois resident
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- File a FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
- Enroll full-time at WIU
- Has not yet received a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent of 135 semester credit hours
- Is not incarcerated
- Is not in default on any student loan or does not owe a refund or repayment on any state or federal grant or scholarship
For students starting in 2026-27:
| Number of People in Household | Maximum 2024 Income (26-27 AY) |
|---|---|
| One | $120,480 |
| Two | $163,520 |
| Three | $206,520 |
| Four | $249,600 |
| Five | $292,640 |
| Six | $335,680 |
| Seven | $378,720 |
| Eight | $421,760 |
| For more than eight, add this amount for each additional person |
Add $43,040Ìý |
Ìý
The grant is renewable for up to three years as an undergraduate student as long as renewal criteria is met. AIM HIGH Grant and other financial aid cannot exceed a student's total cost of attendance.
Renewal Criteria:
- Be continuous enrolled full-time at WIU as degree-seeking student.
- Maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA at WIU
- Not have received a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent of 135 semester credit hours
- Not be incarcerated
- Not be in default on any student loan or owe a refund or repayment on any state or federal grant or scholarship.
If eligible, AIM HIGH will be listed on the student's financial aid award letter once their FAFSA has been processed by the Financial Aid Office. Students must activate their ECOM, email, and STARS accounts to receive financial aid correspondence.
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