The Right Choice for Your Success

blurred background image

The Western Way

Request Information







Four Years, $0 Tuition and Mandatory Fees

Your education should be a source of empowerment, opportunity, and freedom. That’s why Western Illinois University (WIU) offers the Western Way, a unique pathway to a tuition-free college degree in Illinois. This groundbreaking program removes barriers to higher education and equips you with the tools to thrive.

Apply Now

What Is the Western Way?

The Western Way is NOT a loan; it’s our commitment to funding your education. Helping you unleash your potential, embrace your passions, and create your own future: that’s the Western Way.

Through support from the State of Illinois’ AIM HIGH Western Commitment Program, the Western Way offers a path for you to get a college degree at WIU tuition-free.

Incoming new students who meet eligibility and renewal requirements are guaranteed to have their tuition costs and mandatory fees paid for. The award covers eight consecutive semesters for freshmen and four consecutive semesters for transfer students.

Your Tuition and Mandatory Costs Covered

So what costs does the Western Way cover, exactly?

If eligible, you will receive a financial aid package that provides scholarship and grant funding to pay for the full cost of tuition and mandatory campus fees that are not covered by other federal, state, institutional, and private awards, including the Federal Pell Grant and the State of Illinois MAP Grant.

The Western Way leaves some costs up to you and your family, including housing and dining, books and supplies, course fees, study abroad, internship, or other student expenses. However, you may be eligible for additional financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, and employment) to fund costs beyond the Western Way’s scope.

Affordability Meets Excellence

An outstanding education is within your reach through the Western Way. Western’s one-of-a-kind college experience pairs robust learning with meaningful community. WIU is a top public university in the Midwest, where small class sizes, dedicated professor-mentors, and more than 100 academic programs set you up for lasting success.

Who’s Eligible?

A few criteria can help you determine whether you are qualified for tuition-free college in Illinois through the Western Way.

  • Be admitted to WIU as an incoming first-time or transfer student and take a minimum of 12 credit hours. The award will fund up to a maximum of 15 credit hours.
  • Receive the State of Illinois AIM HIGH Western Commitment or Transfer Commitment award and meet eligibility for federal financial aid.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be a recipient of an Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) award.
  • Have an annual family income of less than $81,000 with zero assets based on your FAFSA.

The Western Way is awarded to qualifying students until funding runs out.

To renew the Western Way after your first year, maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA and continue meeting the qualifying criteria.

How to Apply for the Western Way

We make it as easy as we can for you to get a college degree for free. Follow these steps to determine your eligibility for the Western Way:

Have more questions about the Western Way and your eligibility? Contact our helpful admissions team during regular business hours to learn more.

Phone (English): (309) 298-3157
Teléfono (Español): (309) 298-3129
Email: admissions@wiu.edu

Learn More About Admissions

“Scholarships, grants, and financial aid really helped me a lot when it came to paying for school.”

Jaylhien Colbert
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Your Dreams within Reach: The Western Way

The Western Way opens doors that hadn’t even seemed like possibilities. Take your first steps toward tuition-free college in Illinois today.

Apply Now Request Info Visit Campus

FAQs

Are current WIU students eligible for the Western Way?

No, only first-time WIU students—that means incoming freshmen and transfer students—can obtain the Western Way.

Who is eligible to complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid?

Qualifying undocumented students and transgender students who cannot apply for federal student aid can apply for Illinois state aid. Completing the Alternative Application is one path toward earning the Western Way.

You can learn more about the RISE Act and the Alternative Application here.

I will be a student-athlete. Can I receive the Western Way?

If you receive an athletic scholarship from WIU or are a non-scholarship roster athlete, your eligibility for all institutional aid must be determined by NCAA rules. These supersede other WIU grants and scholarships, including the Western Way.

What additional costs should I expect at WIU?

The Western Way covers tuition and mandatory fees. However, you will still need to pay any additional costs out of pocket, such as housing, dining, books, and transportation. You may apply for financial aid in addition to the Western Way to cover these costs.