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How B.A. in General Studies Works To Help Adult Students

We understand the needs, frustrations and hesitations that adults have about going back to school or continuing their education. Our goal is to assist our adult students through this new and exciting life change. 

The B.A. in General Studies Program at Eastern Illinois University is designed to help adults who already have college credit get their college degree and often find that students are close to completion once work experience, outside credits and classes are combined.  Our dedicated staff work's with each student to ensure that they accomplish their goals within the program and beyond. 

Eastern Illinois University


When applying to enter the B.A. in General Studies Program the office will need your official transcripts from all the colleges and universities that you have attended.

The B.A. in General Studies program is designed for adult students so to enter the program you must be a mature adult. We recommend that our prospective student have an average of 60 hours of earned college credit at the time of their application.

B.A. in General Studies Fees include:

  • $30 application fee
  • Tuition costs
  • Off-campus classes include a continuing education fee of $44 per semester hour
  • Textbook rental fee of $9.95 per hour
The B.A. in General Studies Degree Program graduates are eligible to apply for any position that requires a Bachelor degree. Our graduates can be found working in many different environments, and often continue with their education to earn Masters and enter Doctoral programs. The majority of our graduates enroll in a graduate program.

Students can take classes at the Eastern Illinois University campus, at on of our many off-campus sites, or skip the commute by taking classes online. We realize that adult have many responsibilities and offer a program that is flexible so that our adult students can efficiently complete their degree.

You can see all of the location options across Illinois on the info-graphic below.

B.A. in General Studies is fully available online and is an Accredited Online Degree Program.
Online courses can be ideal for adults that are already working and or want to save time and avoid commuting. For online coarse information please see the Online Student Guide

Financial Aid is available to our students. Please visit the following website to learn more: www.eiu.edu/finaid.


How To Get Started With B.A. in General Studies : 

Eastern Illinois University application is available on our website, or we can always mail out a paper application for prospect students. If you have already attended EIU you will not be required to pay the $30 application fee. This is a one-time fee and is required for everyone applying to the University. 

If you have questions or need help getting started email bgsba@eiu.edu and one of our staff members will help make sure that you are supported through the enrollment process.
Don't wait another year to continue your education and get started with BGS today. 




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