Admissions
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You are on your way to becoming a Leatherneck and we couldn't be more excited!
After you receive your acceptance letter, please follow the steps below.
- Freshmen
- Transfer
- Graduate
- International
- Online
- Dual Enrollment
- Reentry
Next Steps for Incoming Freshmen
Log in to STARS
Access your STARS student portal to:
- Register for orientation
- Check your Financial Aid offer
Use your WIU ID and your date of birth (mmddyyyy format) to log in to STARS
Activate Email
Activate your WIU email to connect with Financial Aid, campus life and more
Use your WIU ID and your ECOM username to set up your WIU email account
Register for Orientation
Register for Leatherneck Launch (Orientation) on STARS.
Enrollment Deposit
WIU does not require a deposit. Sign up for orientation and complete your housing application to let us know you plan to attend.
Financial Resources
- Estimate your scholarships and financial aid using the Net Price Calculator
- Apply starting October 1 for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are eligible to file an application
Student loans, federal grants, state grants and some scholarships are awarded through the FAFSA - Add WIU's school code (001780) to receive your WIU award letter
- Complete a Special Circumstances Appeal if your income has recently changed due to COVID-19 or other concerns
Scholarship Information
- Western Commitment Scholarships, Leatherneck Scholarships and Alumni Legacy scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission
- Foundation scholarship applications are due by March 1
- Estimate your scholarships and financial aid using the Net Price Calculator
Campus Housing Opportunities
Macomb
- Complete your housing application at wiu.edu/apply4housing
- Choose your roommate with RoomMate Matching within STARS after your housing application is complete
Quad Cities
- On-campus housing is not available
- Explore off-campus options
Next Steps for Transfer Students
Log in to STARS
Access your STARS student portal to:
- Check your Financial Aid
- Register for orientation
- Contact your Academic Advisor for registration
Use your WIU ID and your date of birth (mmddyyyy format) to log into STARS
Activate Email
Activate your WIU email to connect with Financial Aid, campus life and more
Use your WIU ID and your ECOM username to set up your WIU email account
Register for Orientation & Schedule Advising Appointment
Register for Leatherneck Launch (Orientation) on STARS!
Schedule an appointment to register for classes with your advisor
Housing Options
Macomb
- Complete your housing application if you would like to live on campus or you have earned fewer than 60 credit hours
- Petitions available to students with fewer than 60 credit hours
Quad Cities
- On-campus housing is not available
- Explore off-campus options
Financial Resources
- Estimate your scholarships and financial aid using the Net Price Calculator
- Apply starting October 1 for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are eligible to file an application
Student loans, federal grants, state grants and some scholarships are awarded through the FAFSA - Add WIU's school code (001780) to receive your WIU award letter
- Complete a Special Circumstances Appeal if your income has recently changed due to COVID-19 or other concerns
Scholarship Information
- Transfer Commitment Scholarships are awarded automatically upon acceptance
- WIU Foundation scholarship applications are due May 1
Health Insurance and Immunization Records
Macomb
- Health insurance is required and automatically charged to your student account
- Health insurance waivers are available if you are covered through an existing plan (provide waiver prior to the 10th day of your WIU classes)
- Immunization form is required and can be submitted to the Beu Health Center
Quad Cities
- Health insurance is required and automatically charged to your student account
- Immunization records are not required except as determined by academic program
Purchase or Rent Textbooks
- Order online or in-store (located in the University Union on the Macomb campus)
- New, used and book rentals available
- Pick up books at the Macomb or Quad Cities campus
- Ship books to your address
Send final transcripts
- Submit an updated official transcript at the end of each semester
- Final transcripts are required. If earning an associate degree, please ask the institution to include degree conferral/confirmation on the transcript
Next Steps for Graduate Students
Paying for Graduate School
- View current tuition and fees for Graduate students
- Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about assistantship opportunities
- Apply for scholarships - there are dozens of scholarships specifically for graduate students
- Investigate student loan options - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
Explore Housing & Dining Options
Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.
Graduate & Family Housing
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. Explore Western's graduate and family housing options on our housing website.
Off-campus housing
- Explore Macomb-area apartments and real estate offerings
- Explore housing options in the Quad Cities area
Meal Plans
The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. You also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.
Commit to Western
Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:
1. Confirm your Information
Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).
STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.
2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)
Activate your electronic communication (ECom) account. Your ECom username is provided inside the cover of your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).
3. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
The University participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Work-Study Program, and the Federal Direct Loan Program. For detailed information on the application process, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Some departments have special scholarship opportunities for graduate students. Information concerning these scholarships can be obtained from the Scholarship Office.
4. Attend a New Graduate Student Orientation
A postcard invitation will be sent to you with details to attend an orientation at either the Macomb or Quad Cities campus.
5. Submit your Housing Application
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. When you apply, you will indicate your Living-Learning community preference, hall preference (if transferring with 30 or more credit hours), roommate preference, choose a meal plan, and will answer a series of lifestyle questions.
6. Submit Immunization Records
The state of Illinois requires college and university students to provide proof of immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubeola, and Meningitis. Vaccines are available for purchase at Beu Health Center.
All required immunization information must be submitted and in compliance within the first 10 days of the semester on campus. Failure to do so will result in registration encumbrance and a processing fee. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.
Next Steps for International Students
Paying for College
- Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about graduate assistantship opportunities
- Learn about scholarship opportunities
- Explore on-campus student employment opportunities
Explore Housing & Dining Options
Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.
On-Campus Housing
Macomb campus students are encouraged to apply for university housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer.
- Explore Residence Hall options and our various learning communities .
- Explore Graduate and Family Housing options
Off-Campus Housing
- Explore Macomb-area apartments and real estate offerings
- Explore housing options in the Quad Cities area
Meal Plans
The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. All students buy into a basic a la carte meal plan, but you also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.
Commit to Western
Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:
1. Confirm your Information
Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).
STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.
2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)
Activate your electronic communication (ECom) account. Your ECom username is provided inside your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH).
3. Apply for Scholarships
Scholarship applications are due by February 15. Visit our Scholarship office website for more information.
4. Review Immigration Status Requirements
Learn more about maintaining your immigration status while in the U.S.
5. Locate your Immunization Records
All new students born after 1957 are required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act to provide a record of your immunizations to the University.
Bring your completed health history form and other medical records (with an English translation, if necessary) with you to WIU. If you are unable to locate proof of past immunizations you must be re-vaccinated. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.
Students must be enrolled in WIU's medical insurance plan to cover unexpected emergencies, specialized care, etc. If you are a sponsored student and have your own insurance, you must complete an insurance waiver. You will learn more about this at orientation.
6. Attend the New International Student Orientation program
The New International Student Orientation (NISO) program is a mandatory event that wil help you adjust to your new home. The week before classes begin every semester, an extensive orientation program is provided to introduce you to important aspects of the campus and community. NISO includes:
- airport/train pick-up and transportation
- presentations about U.S. immigration regulations, how to be successful at WIU, academic advising, cultural information, ESL placement testing, banking & shopping trips, campus & city tours, social activities and insurance
Next Steps for Online Students
Log in to STARS
Access your STARS student portal to:
- Book an appointment with your academic advisor to register for classes
- Register for orientation
- Check your Financial Aid
Use your WIU ID and your date of birth (mmddyyyy format) to log in to STARS
Activate Email & WesternOnline
Activate your WIU account to access WIU email and WesternOnline
- WIU email connects you to Financial Aid and WIU student services
- WesternOnline is your portal to connect to courses, homework and more
Use your WIU ID and your ECOM username to set up your WIU email account
Financial Resources
- Estimate your scholarships and financial aid using the Net Price Calculator
- Apply starting October 1 for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are eligible to file an application
Student loans, federal grants, state grants and some scholarships are awarded through the FAFSA - Add WIU's school code (001780) to receive your WIU award letter
- Complete a Special Circumstances Appeal if your income has recently changed due to COVID-19 or other concerns
Scholarship Information
- Commitment Scholarships, Leatherneck Scholarships and Alumni Legacy Scholarships are awarded automatically upon acceptance
- WIU Foundation scholarship applications are due:
- December 1 for the WIU Presidential Scholarship
- February 15 for incoming freshmen
- May 1 for incoming transfer students
Housing Options
- Complete your housing application if you would like to live on the Macomb campus at wiu.edu/apply4housing
Next Steps for Dual Enrollment Students
Register for Classes
Macomb
- Contact your academic advisor, Michelle Yager, to register for classes. Schedule a virtual appointment with Michelle.
- You can request to meet with your advisor virtually, over the phone, or in person
Quad Cities
- Contact your academic advisor, Curtis Williams, to register for classes. Schedule a virtual appointment with Curtis.
- You can request to meet with your advisor virtually, over the phone, or in person
Log in to STARS
Your STARS student portal contains your academic records and financial information
Use your WIU ID and your date of birth (mmddyyyy format) to log in to STARS
Activate Email
Activate your WIU email and WesternOnline account
- WIU email connects you to WIU faculty & staff
- WesternOnline is your platform to access course assignments and, for online classes, access course materials
Submit Admissions Forms
- Complete if you are considering attending WIU after high school
- Complete if you want to grant your high school counselor permission to request your WIU course grades each semester.
- Highly recommended if your school will be adding your WIU grades to your high school transcript
Scholarships & Payments
You automatically receive a scholarship covering 2/3 of your tuition cost and for the remaining 1/3 of your tuition cost, you can:
Set up a Payment Plan
- Set up a payment plan to spread payments over 3 months, 4 months or 5 months
- Automatically deducted from your bank account each month
Pay in Full
- Pay your account balance via bank account or credit card
Next Steps for Reentry Students
Send Transcripts
If you have taken courses at any other institution since leaving WIU, submit an updated official transcript to the Registrar’s Office
Log in to STARS
Access your STARS student portal to:
- Check your Financial Aid
- Review any registration holds
- Review your academic advisor contact information
Use your WIU ID and password to log into STARS. If you've forgotten your password, contact uTech at 309-298-8324 or online to have it reset. You will then use your date of birth (mmddyyyy format) to login and change your password.
Touch Base with Academic Advisor
Reach out to your academic advisor to discuss course options, review academic plans, and begin making your schedule.
Check Email
Activate your WIU email to connect with Financial Aid, campus life and more.
Use your WIU ID and your ECOM username to set up your WIU email account.
Housing Options
Macomb
- Complete your housing application if you would like to live on campus or you have earned fewer than 60 credit hours
- Petitions available to students with fewer than 60 credit hours
Quad Cities
- On-campus housing is not available
- Explore off-campus options
Financial Resources
- Estimate your scholarships and financial aid using the Net Price Calculator
- Apply starting October 1 for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are eligible to file an application
Student loans, federal grants, state grants and some scholarships are awarded through the FAFSA - Add WIU's school code (001780) to receive your WIU award letter
- Complete a Special Circumstances Appeal if your income has recently changed due to COVID-19 or other concerns
Scholarship Information
- WIU Foundation scholarship applications are due May 1
Health Insurance and Immunization Records
Macomb
- Health insurance is required and automatically charged to your student account
- Health insurance waivers are available if you are covered through an existing plan (provide waiver prior to the 10th day of your WIU classes)
- Immunization form is required and can be submitted to the Beu Health Center
Quad Cities
- Health insurance is available and must be requested prior to the 10th day of your WIU classes
- Immunization records are not required except as determined by academic program
Purchase or Rent Textbooks
- Order online or in-store (located in the University Union on the Macomb campus)
- New, used and book rentals available
- Pick up books at the Macomb or Quad Cities campus
- Ship books to your address
Connect with WIU Admissions: