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

August 26, 2019

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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 listed in the top 10 of "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern schools, according to the 2019 Washington Monthly College Guide, which is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Western moved up to number eight, from number 13 last year. In addition, WIU is also the highest ranked Illinois public master's institution out of 200 nationwide in the Washington Monthly's Top 200 Master's Universities category. Western is ranked 37th, up from 51 last year.

Western was also ranked among the top 100 (59th), as a Top Four-Year School for Adult Learners. This is the seventh consecutive year Western has been highly ranked in the Washington Monthly College Guide.

"We're pleased to be recognized for the affordable education that we provide. We strive to ensure access to students from across the state and beyond by providing an outstanding education at a cost that ensures that access," said Acting President Martin Abraham. "While affordability is clearly a factor for students and families, so is the availability of quality academic programs, and Western offers both. The incentives available to our students through scholarships and other financial assistance programs, along with terrific academic programs and student support services, puts Western ahead of many others in terms of graduating students with less debt and who are ready to compete in the workforce."

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 2019 rankings can be found at washingtonmonthly.com/2019college-guide.

In addition to the Washington Monthly rankings, for the 16th 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