Frequently Asked Questions
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General Questions
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Q:Is your program accredited?
- Yes, we are CACREP accredited.
Q:Do you offer online classes?Q: How long does it take to degree completion?- We are an in person (face-to-face) program. However, we do offer some online (synchronous and asynchronous) classes during the summer, and hybrid during the fall and spring semesters.
- Fully-time enrolled students take two years to complete the program including the summer. between the first and second years.
- You can apply online by setting up a MyEIU account. After processing of your initial application, you will receive a program-specific application within your MyEIU account.
- January 30, 2026.
- The 2026 Interview day will be held on Friday, February 27th, 2026, for those who are invited to interview. This interview is mandatory to be considered for admission.
- No.
- No. We admit students in the fall (August) and summer (May) only. The program is cohort based. This means that students take the same classes and proceed through the program together. On occasions, a student may begin on a part-time basis with approval from the chair.
- We typically admit 15-20 students for each cohort.
- Yes! In many cases, you can still apply to the program even if your bachelor’s is in a different field. Our review process is comprehensive and take into consideration many aspects of the students, including letters of references, performance in the interview and previous experiences with the field.
- The GPA requirement for full admission without conditions is 2.75. GPA is one of the criteria that we use for admission and students receive a rating for their GPA. Students with GPA less than 2.75 may be admitted conditionally, where they will not be able to qualify for scholarships or assistantships. If the student maintains a 3.0 GPA (minimum required for Graduate School), then they can be admitted fully without conditions.
- Illinois Residents -- $23,668.84 Non-Illinois Residents (Domestic & International) - $34,271.74. Please visit Office of Financial Aid - Cost of Attendance to see the most updated information about tuition rate.
Q: What are the available financial aid and scholarships?- Scholarship - Professor Paul Ward left a generous endowment to the Department of Counseling and Higher Education which allows us to offer all newly admitted full-time students in the counseling program a scholarship ranging from $2000-$5000 for their first year.
- Assistantship - Many of our students secure Graduate Assistantships across campus which waives tuition (students are responsible for fees) and pays a monthly stipend.
- A parking permit for the full year is $100 or $50 a semester.
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International Questions
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Q: I am an international student. What are my chances of being admitted to the program?
- We are not able to tell you your chances of being admitted into the program. In addition to meeting the requirement of the program, you are interviewed by two faculty members to determine whether you understand what counseling is. If the faculty is satisfied with your performance in the interview, your application materials are then reviewed by a committee.
- In order to defer your application from a previous semester, you will need to reapply for the desired semester. Once you have reapplied and the office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is notified, your previous application will be canceled, and you will be able to move your admission forward. You will not need to resubmit all of your documents. If you received your visa, but could not make it for the previous semester, your application fee will be waived.
- The application fee is only waived for university employees, McNair Scholars, veterans, and GN4U qualified participants. No fee waivers are awarded under any other circumstances.
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Graduate Assistantship Questions
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Q: How do I apply for a graduate assistantship?
- You may apply for a graduate assistantship in your MyEIU portal.
- Your graduate assistantship only provides a tuition waiver. This waiver covers your tuition only;you must pay your fees when you receive your bill.
- As a graduate assistant, you are entitled to one summer tuition waiver per academic year, regardless of whether or not you are working in the summer. You must inform The Graduate School of your intentions to use this waiver by filling out a summer tuition waiver form by April 30th.
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