Undergraduate Admissions

Western Commitment Scholarship 

Minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA

Incoming freshmen with at least a 1030 SAT/20 ACT and a 3.0/4.0 GPA are automatically awarded the Western Commitment scholarship. Awards are renewable up to eight semesters (contingent on renewal criteria and total direct cost).

Up to

$3,000

renewable to $12,000

SAT 1030-1190
ACT 20-24



Up to

$6,000

renewable to $24,000



SAT 1200-1350
ACT 25-29





Up to

$10,000

renewable to $40,000





SAT 1360+
ACT 30+

Scholarship Eligibility

Western Illinois University awards automatic Western Commitment scholarships to eligible incoming freshmen who have earned a cumulative 3.0/4.0+ GPA and a minimum 1030 SAT or 20 ACT. Weighted or unweighted GPA, converted to a 4.0 scale, is considered for the scholarship.  Award amounts are based on the student's highest SAT total or ACT composite score submitted prior to enrollment.  Students may increase their award amount if improved test scores are submitted prior to enrollment.  Students need to send official final transcripts and test scores to Undergraduate Admissions to receive scholarship awards.

How the Scholarship Works

Western Commitment scholarships are automatically awarded to the student's account for up to eight semesters (four years) of full-time undergraduate attendance in fall/spring terms and are contingent on renewal criteria. Students will receive the maximum amount of scholarship funding up to total direct costs (tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plan) after federal/state grants, tuition/room waivers and other aid. Students cannot receive scholarship funds in excess of their cost of attendance. Federal loans or additional scholarships may be used above total direct costs to cover additional education expenses such as books and travel.

Students must apply for admission prior to May 15, 2019, for consideration. Students applying for admission using self-reported grades and test scores will be awarded a Western Commitment scholarship, but must submit final, official transcripts and official test scores verifying eligibility to receive scholarship funding. Students applying for admission under Illinois Public Act 93-7 (Illinois DREAM Act) are not required to file a FAFSA, but will need to submit an affidavit of intent to apply for citizenship to receive a Western Commitment scholarship. All other students must complete the FAFSA, even if they do not expect to receive need-based aid.

Renewal Information

Additional eligibility requirements and renewal criteria can be found on the Western Commitment Scholarship renewal site.