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WIU: Best Bang for the Buck, Top Master's School, Top Four-Year School for Adult Learners

August 30, 2018

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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 -- Western Illinois University is among the best of the best, says the 2018 Washington Monthly College Guide, which has again recognized WIU as a "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern school, as one of the top master's degree granting institutions in the nation and as one of America's best four-year colleges for adult learners.

Western, at number 13, remains in the top 20 among 385 Midwestern colleges and universities in the "Best Bang for the Buck" rankings, and is one of three Illinois public universities in the top 20 of the Midwestern school rankings. This is the sixth consecutive year Western has been highly ranked in the Washington Monthly College Guide.

Western was also ranked 51st, up from 73rd last year, among 150 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 two Illinois public institutions ranked in the top 75 best four year colleges for adult learners.

"We consistently receive national accolades because we are a leader in terms of value, while providing access to a world-class, high-quality and well-rounded educational experience," said President Jack Thomas. "Since Western opened its doors in 1902, the University has delivered outstanding academic opportunities, resources and programs, and we will continue to be a model of a quality, well-rounded education."

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 2018 rankings can be found at washingtonmonthly.com/2018college-guide.

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 15th consecutive year, Western Illinois University has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review. Western is one of 159 regional universities, and is one of two Illinois public institutions, named to the "Best in the Midwest" list.

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

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