Eureka College sees fourth straight year of record high enrollment

Eureka College continues its growth

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For the fourth consecutive year, enrollment at Eureka College is at a record high. Enrollment on Aug. 26, the first day of classes, was 767. That reflects a 2 percent increase over last year, according to Brian Sajko, Vice President for Admissions, Communications, and Integrated Marketing.

 “Our growth, especially under these economic conditions, has been phenomenal, and an overall growth of nearly 60 percent in five years is beyond record-setting for any organization,” Sajko said.  “Obviously, prospective students and families see our value.  In fact, U.S. News & World Report has just ranked Eureka College fourth among baccalaureate colleges in the Midwest from which students graduate with the lightest debt load.”

In fall 2008, enrollment was 754, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. In fall 2007, 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 will welcome its second-largest incoming class of 250, including 145 freshmen and 105 transfer students. The previous high was 254 last year.

Eureka College has seen enrollment growth of almost 60 percent since fall 2003 when enrollment stood at less than 500.

“Our entire approach to attending college focuses on value, quality and transparency – simple and straightforward,” Sajko said. “The Eureka College family is all about service and providing a safe atmosphere in which a student is challenged to change the world – something we’ve done for 155 years.”

 The enrollment 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 $16,650, and combined with college-sponsored merit scholarships, the cost can be comparable to a flagship state university, Sajko said. 

                                                                
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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318