EIU Pine Honors College

Admission to the Pine Honors College

We are seeking diverse, academically talented students for our Honors community. Depending on your academic standing, you may not even need to apply!

1. Automatic admission for incoming freshman students
2. Dean's Choice admission for incoming freshman students
3. Admission for continuing and transfer students
4. Admission for international students

Students from all categories who need to apply are invited to use the Dean's Choice form at the bottom of this page. For more information on the University Honors Program, click here.

Automatic Admission for Incoming Freshman Students

Incoming freshmen will be automatically admitted to the University Honors Program if:

• They have a 3.75 final high school cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• They have a 3.5 to 3.74 final high school cumulative GPA and an ACT composite of 26+ (or SAT of 1230+).

These students will receive admissions materials from the Pine Honors College upon their admission to EIU. If you don't receive a letter from Honors a few weeks after being admitted, please email us.

Dean's Choice Admission for Incoming Freshman Students 

Incoming freshmen who do not meet the above criteria but have demonstrated academic excellence or potential in other ways are encouraged to apply online using this application form: Dean's Choice Admission Form

Admission for Current EIU Students and Transfer Students

For current and transfer students, joining the Honors College is most suitable for students who have not yet completed their general education requirements. While we generally admit students who have earned a 3.5 GPA after their first semester (whether at EIU or elsewhere), many Honors courses are a part of general education. This means that those who have completed their general education requirements will have fewer options for earning Honors credit hours. 

Current or transfer students interested in signing up for University Honors can join by applying with the form at the bottom of this page. Current freshmen not involved in Honors who have a 3.5 GPA or better after their first semester at EIU will be invited to participate in University Honors as a part of the "3.5er" program.

Current EIU students or transfer students interested in Departmental Honors (independent research and creative activity) should talk to their Departmental Honors coordinator.

Note: Departmental Honors courses will count towards the total number of Honors credit hours you've earned at EIU.

Admission for International Students

International students who have been admitted to EIU are eligible to apply to both University and Departmental Honors. Students can apply using this online application: 

Form not showing? Try this link: Dean's Choice Admission Form

If you have questions about the admissions process, feel free to email the Honors College staff at honors@eiu.edu, or you may call us at (217) 581-2017.