EIU Media Relations

EIU Again Ranked Among Best in Its Class by U.S. News and World Report

For the 10th consecutive year, Eastern Illinois University has been named one of the top Midwestern public universities in its class by U.S. News & World Report.

EIU is ranked 11th among all Midwestern public universities offering a full range of undergraduate degrees and some master's degree programs. The region encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The rankings - part of the magazine's 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges" - are based on schools' academic reputations, student selectivity, faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, financial resources and alumni giving.

Additionally, in a comprehensive list of all 142 Midwest institutions, both public and private, EIU was ranked 47th.

The rankings factored in that EIU has retained its focus on personal attention.  For example, the student-faculty ratio remains at 15:1, and 36 percent of Eastern's classes have 20 students or less enrolled in them. Only 4 percent of all classes have 50 or more students.

EIU also continues to tout the highest freshman retention rate and the highest graduation rate among all Illinois public universities in its class.

The U.S. News & World Report listings were publicly released on the same day that most students were moving into Eastern's residence halls in readiness for the 2009-2010 school year.

"I can think of no better way to begin a school year then by confirming EIU's strong academic reputations," said President Bill Perry. "We at Eastern are already aware of the quality education and experience our university provides to its students. However, it is always satisfying to know that others recognize our efforts, as well."