University News

WIU: Best Bang for the Buck, Top Master's School

August 30, 2017

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To learn more about Western, visit wiu.edu/about. To schedule a campus visit, go to wiu.edu/visit. Prospective graduate students can schedule a visit at wiu.edu/grad/visit.

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- The 2017 Washington Monthly College Guide has recognized Western Illinois University as a "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern school and as one of the top master's degree granting institution in the nation.

Western moved up in the "Best Bang for the Buck" rankings to ninth (up from 37th last year) among 364 Midwestern colleges and universities and is one of two Illinois public universities in the top 10 of the Midwestern school rankings. This is the fifth consecutive year that Western has been highly ranked in the Washington Monthly College Guide.

Western was also ranked 73rd (up from 91st last year) among 632 national master's degree granting institutions from across the nation. WIU is one of two Illinois public institutions in the top 75 listed in the master's category, and is one of three Illinois public institutions ranked among the 100 best four year colleges for adult learners.

"From Washington Monthly to The Princeton Review and many other national ranking organizations, Western Illinois University is recognized as among the best of the best," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "We consistently receive these high rankings because of our longstanding mission and commitment to providing outstanding accessible and affordable academic opportunities, resources and programs for our students."

According to the Washington Monthly, institutions are ranked for their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and doctorates) and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country). Washington Monthly also rates colleges that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

The complete Washington Monthly 2017 rankings can be found at washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/septemberoctober-2017.

Western Illinois University provides a variety of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including 12 renowned signature academic programs, high demand fields such as accountancy, nursing, engineering, agriculture, law enforcement and more, select doctoral programs and a distinguished Honors College.

In addition to the Washington Monthly rankings, for the 14th consecutive year, Western Illinois University has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review. Western is one of 158 regional universities, and is one of two Illinois public institutions, named to the "Best in the Midwest" list. BestColleges.com also recognized the Top 20 Best Online Accredited Colleges in Illinois, and Western was included among the best of the best for providing students with a variety of degree programs online.

For more information on academic programs at wiu.edu, visit wiu.edu/academics.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing