Eureka College sees third straight year of record high enrollment

Enrollment up 50 percent in five years

For the third consecutive year, enrollment at Eureka College has reached an all-time high.  
Official enrollment calculated on the 10th day of classes on Sept. 10 is 754, an 11 percent increase over last year, according to Brian Sajko, Vice President for Admissions, Communications, and Integrated Marketing.  Last fall, enrollment was 680, a 14 percent increase over the previous year. In fall 2006, enrollment was 587, a 9 percent increase over the previous year and the highest since 1971.

In addition, the college welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of 247, including 153 freshmen and 94 transfer students. The previous high was 232 new students three years ago.

Eureka College has seen enrollment growth of more than 50 percent since fall 2003 when enrollment stood at less than 500. “This phenomenal growth is due in large part to a comparatively low cost for a private college education while improving overall quality of the college experience, as well as transparency in financial aid,” Sajko said. The growth is linked to the introduction of the Eureka Idea in spring 2004, which lowered tuition while adding transparency to the financial aid process. Tuition for students entering the college this fall is $15,675, and combined with college-sponsored merit scholarships, the cost can be comparable to a flagship state university, Sajko said.

Also contributing to the growth is upgraded facilities, including the $2.1 million renovation of Dickinson Commons dining hall and improved quality in the academic programs.

“An overall focus on the needs of the students is at the core of all of the growth at Eureka College,” Sajko said.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318