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How do you visit nine schools across four states for $425? If you are a member of the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), you sign up for the Bus O’Fun Tour. After years of trying to sync my schedule with the tour dates, I finally made it happen. Although I had visited EIU and SIUC before, this trip allowed me to dig deeper. I tailored my experience by gathering specific application data to bridge the gap between why my students apply and why they ultimately choose to attend (or not).

Nine Schools Four States
Eastern Illinois University

The Illinois Staples

As a School Counselor, I always encourage students to apply to at least one in-state public school. For Illinois residents, this is vital for financial aid: the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant is only available to students who stay in-state.

  1. Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL): EIU offers a classic, mid-sized campus environment. Their Theatre Program aligns well with our school’s Fine Arts curriculum, making it an excellent option for students seeking a close-knit community and proximity to home.

  2. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC): A comprehensive research university with a rural, vibrant energy. They have unique niche programs in Aviation, Horticulture/Cannabis, and Fermentation. Students with an IEP should submit their documentation before enrolling to ensure support is in place on Day 1.

    For 2025-2026, 42 Students applied to EIU and 21 applied to SIUC.

Nine Schools Four States
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Nine Schools Four States: Tennessee & Kentucky

3. Union University (Jackson, TN): A stellar choice for students seeking a Christian education. I was moved by their core values—Christ-Centered, People-Focused—and their accessible scholarship Tiers. A student with an ACT score of 18 and a 2.0 GPA can qualify for a $11,000 University Scholarship.

4. Murray State University (Murray, KY): My new favorite! The student panel’s genuine love for MSU was infectious. It’s affordable, career-focused, and has a unique “horse-friendly” campus for vet-med students. Plus, their rep, Lindsey, recently visited our Postsecondary Fair and was a huge hit.