During the 2008-2009 academic year, 76 percent of Eastern students received an average financial award of $10,539-more than $100 million total.

This was the largest amount awarded in Eastern’s history.

In the same year, about $1.4 million students across the state received a total of $6.7 billion in financial assistance, according to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“We all know that we are going through a difficult time in the economy,” Director of Financial Aid Jerry Donna said. “Indications are that the economy is slowly turning around, but it may take some time before unemployment rates are back to ‘normal.'”

Donna said economic recessions typically cause enrollment at two-year institutions to rise.

“Historically, when the economy is bad, people return to school, or some make the decision to start school,” Donna said. “It is a time of retooling for many people. The community college system tends to see much more of this than the four-year institutions.”

Donna said he believes that enrollment at Eastern is not significantly affected by the economy.

“EIU has a more traditional student population, it is my belief that our enrollments are not dramatically driven by this dynamic. I do wonder though if some students are deciding not to attend school, or delaying school, for the sake of making ends meet,” Donna said.

Donna said the most important thing students can do regarding financial aid is file their 2010-2011 free application for federal student aid as soon as possible.

“Most students/parents do this right after they complete their tax returns. The sooner students file the FAFSA…the better for everyone,” Donna said. “Filing early could possibly result in a larger financial aid award.”

Several students were unsure about their ability to pursue a degree at Eastern if they were unable to receive financial assistance.

Martin Weatherford, a junior sports management major, received a Pell Grant this academic year.

Weatherford said he would probably have to either apply for private loans or choose not to attend Eastern if his grant were unavailable.

Bill Rude, a senior history major, said he was in the same boat.

“I’d either be really far in debt, or I probably wouldn’t be here,” Rude said.

Jared Raune, a freshman history major, said attending an affordable two-year institution would be his best option.

“I probably wouldn’t go to Eastern. I’d just go to a community college; it’d be cheaper,” Raune said.

Sean Walker, a senior fine arts major, is the recipient of a Map Grant in addition to federal loans.

Walker said his options would be few if he was unable to receive financial assistance.

“I’d probably get some lame job, I don’t think I could afford to go here otherwise,” Walker said.

Jason Hardimon can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].