Released - August 20, 2010

U.S. News ranks EC First In Illinois In ‘Least Debt’ Category

Eureka College Grads Have Less Student Debt

Eureka College gradates incur less student debt than grads at most other Midwestern colleges, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 list of “America’s Best Colleges” released Aug. 17.

The college ranked first in Illinois and second among Midwestern colleges in the “least debt” category. That is an improvement of two spots over last year’s rankings.

“Eureka College’s ‘exceptional, not expensive’ tag line is supported by the lower level of debt incurred by Eureka graduates,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold.

In overall rankings, Eureka College placed fourth in Illinois and 29th in the Midwest among the best colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in professional fields and the liberal arts. That is an improvement of one spot over last year.

Arnold said he hopes Eureka’s future rankings will continue to rise with the addition this year of new program initiatives for first-generation students, new first-year student programming and strengthening of retention and graduation rates.

The U.S. News & World Report’s rankings are generated by a formula that includes variables of graduation and retention rates, peer assessment, faculty, financial resources, student selectivity and the percentage of alumni who donate money to their alma mater.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318