Affordable & Best-value
Eastern Michigan University is one of the most affordable and best-valued institutions in the country. EMU's Global Tuition Rate eliminates out-of-state fees for undergraduate students, allowing all undergraduate students from the U.S.—and around the world—to pay in-state rates.
First-Year Scholarships
Historically, 97 percent of freshmen receive some form of financial aid. Learn about which of our fantastic scholarships you are eligible for and how we can help make college accessible.
Emerald Scholarship
Eastern Michigan University was among the first public universities in Michigan to offer free tuition to high-achieving students with financial needs. Your hard work in high school is rewarded by increased scholarship amounts.
| High School GPA | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.75 or higher | $8,000 |
| 3.5 to 3.74 | $7,000 |
| 3.25 to 3.49 | $6,000 |
| 3.0 to 3.24 | $5,500 |
| 2.75 to 2.99 | $4,000 |
- Award: up to $8,000 per year.
- Eligibility: Based on cumulative high school GPA (GPA on a 4.0 scale). Must be traditional (under the age of 21) first year student.
- Consideration: Automatic. Awarded at the time of admission.
- Renewable? Yes
- Domestic Student
- Please note: Scholarship awards are contingent upon verification of admission criteria via official transcripts or test scores (if applicable), as well as receipt of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- The scholarship award amounts will be applicable to applicants starting in Fall 2025.
Eagle Guarantee
If you earned a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, are eligible for a federal Pell Grant and Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and have family assets less than $60,000, you qualify for the Eagle Guarantee. The Eagle Guarantee, along with your Pell Grant, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and Emerald Scholarship, will cover the cost of tuition and you will receive an extra $2,000 to help with on-campus housing.
Eligibility
In addition to academic and financial need criteria, eligible students must be traditional (under the age of 21) first year students. This award is not available to graduate, transfer, international, or post-bachelor students.
Presidential Scholarship
A 3.5 or higher cumulative high school GPA and excellent SAT/ACT scores is rewarded with Eastern's most prestigious award for incoming first-year students, which covers full tuition and room and board for four years (valued at approximately $100,000).
Eligibility
- High School Senior/Incoming Freshman for Fall 2025
- Must be a high school graduate in 2024 or 2025
- Must have 1.) at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 2.) 25 composite ACT or 1200 SAT (Critical Reading + Math)SAT/ACT requirements are waived for those with a GPA of 3.85 or higher
- Must apply for admission to Eastern Michigan University and submit all official transcripts and test scores by scholarship deadline.
4WARD Graduation Scholarship
The 4WARD Graduation Scholarship is an exciting opportunity to successfully complete your degree in four years while maintaining financial stability. With a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA your first two years have a locked-in tuition rate and the following two years provide full tuition coverage.
Eligibility
Admitted students with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA will have the opportunity to opt into the 4WARD Graduation Scholarship.
International students are eligible to participate.
Your Academic Excellence Pays Off
You've worked hard to maintain a high GPA and earn outstanding test scores. We want to reward you with a merit scholarship that is an easy win!
Our first-year scholarships are:
Easy. The Emerald and the 4WARD Graduation scholarships are automatic. The Presidential Scholarship has an easy application process.
Renewable. Each of these scholarships continues beyond your first year as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Non-Competitive. Only the Presidential Scholarship is competitive. For the Emerald and 4WARD Graduation scholarships, you're not competing against other applicants for a limited number of scholarships. As long as you meet the requirements, you get the scholarship. It really is that simple.
Please note that admission and scholarship decisions are contingent upon verification of admission criteria via official transcripts or test scores (if applicable), as well as receipt of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Additional Opportunities
Explore other EMU scholarship opportunities.
Employee Tuition Discount Offers
Several Southeast Michigan employers work with Eastern Michigan University to provide competitive tuition programs and discounts to make the dream of a college education a possibility for their employees. Participating employees include Amazon, General Motors and more.
More Savings
Below are other scholarship and sources of financial aid that can be used to fund your education. In addition, there is a variety of resources available for assistance with unexpected needs.
EMU's Colleges and Schools provide a variety of scholarships for students pursuing a wide variety of majors.
External scholarships are available to students from organizations and agencies outside the University.
EMU offers a wide variety of scholarships to students looking to start and continue their education.
Scholarships is just one type of financial aid. Other types of aid that can be used to offset the cost of your education are listed below.
Have Questions or Need Help?
We're here as your partners in every step of the process of financing your EMU education.
Financial Aid
Navigating your financial aid can be confusing, but we're here to help. If you need additional help understanding your aid, please feel free to call, email or chat us.
Admissions
Our extraordinary admissions team is here to help you! Admissions is the place to learn more about our programs, cost, and opportunities, and so much more.
Student Business Services
If you're looking for information on tuition, fees, billing, or payments, Student Business Services has what you need. They are here to help you stay up-to-date.