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Answers about college for parents and family

We're sure you have lots of questions about this whole "college thing", and we want to be sure you have the answers. We do this for a living and there are many questions about financial aid and other areas of college life that make our heads spin. So, we know what it feels like. Eureka College is all about being honest, straightforward, and "common sense" in all we do. This web page, then, is centered on assisting you in being armed with knowledge about the whole college admissions process. You see, to us, it's about the right way to treat you because you're part of our family.

Question -

Can I afford a private college? Heck, can I afford to send my student to college at all?

A small private college is absolutely the best all-around value you will get in higher education. Why? We will know you and your student by name. We make decisions based on you and how you will be affected. We always balance this on what is fair to our entire family. Many of our students, staff, and professors are first-generation college students and the great thing about America is that education is the ultimate equalizer. It is the one way to improve your social class. Think how immigrant grandparents would be amazed at the accomplishments of their educated grandchildren. Yes, it costs a lot but, (and here's the leap of faith), it will change your student's world and the entire world, for the better.

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What is so special about a small college?

The connection one makes and the impact everyone makes is unique. This is OUR college, OUR home, OUR family and all that goes on for life. Plus, our size and focus on each person makes our campus very safe. We all look out for one another!

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What is the deal with "Liberal Arts?"

Basically, liberal arts and sciences are about making your student the creator, the leader...the boss. A liberal arts college allows your student to blend disciplines and experiment with different majors, many times double majoring. Nationally, almost 80% of college students change majors. At a liberal arts college, this is more easily done without going beyond a fourth year of college. Also, liberal arts are about opportunity. Opportunity to explore and not have to give up all the activities from high school. Just think...wouldn't it be great to love what you do and get paid a decent living for it?

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How do I choose from all these colleges & universities?

It's ultimately about what's in your heart. Does the place feel right? Do the people feel right? It is a big decision, so be sure to base it on the future and what you want...not the past. Don't just go to a school because it is where everyone else from your high school is going. What does your "gut" say?

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What about books and supplies?

You should plan on a budget of around $1,000 when buying books and supplies. Yes, books can be pricey, but they also represent the basic investment in learning. You need the textbook to learn the subject. You don't need to buy these books and supplies in our bookstore, you can get them online, get used textbooks from students who already had the class (be sure it's the right edition!) and even check the book out of the library if we have it!

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How does this financial aid deal work?

It's really different for everyone. We recommend everyone fill out the FAFSA just to see if you qualify for any federal or state aid...you never know! The FAFSA will tell us your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) as determined by the Federal Government. This number can be a shock for people, since the Feds are indeed assuming you will take a role in funding your studen'ts education and they don't care about how fancy your car or house is! At EC we provide merit scholarships that reward students for hard work and we do our best to keep the tuition as low as possible. If you must take out college loans, we also work very hard to keep the debt load for students low too...in fact, we are among the lowest in Illinois. Here's some more value at EC...free laundry in the residence halls, a very low parking fee, and a full-time credit load is 18 hours a semester (others are 16).

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Am I ready for this?

College can be described as "real life with a safety net." There are lots of people here to look out for one another. Having said that, it is still real life and we expect students to be responsible for themselves and make responsible decisions. Heck, that's part of growing up. Here's the beautiful thing...watching these young adults grow into true, mature adults in four years. If this is your first, you won't believe the transformation they make in four years of college.

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What would you say is the number one thing my student can do in college to ensure success?

Simply go to class. It's where learning ultimately takes place. It may sound easy, but the freedom of college sometimes makes this difficult for students to comprehend. Going to class is training for "real life" since, if you just don't go to work, you usually end up getting fired.

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What use are all these activities?

In high school, many activities are simply there for fun. In college, this changes. Activities are where much learning occurs and where a student builds up a resume which, combined with academic work, gets the student that perfect job, entry into that prestigious graduate school, because it provides a practical outlet for learning. The opportunities at Eureka College are immense since, because of our size, everyone must join in to make the whole place work!

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Why Eureka College?

Here at EC it's about the people. We love what we do and we choose to be at this special place. These people make it their life mission to do everything they can to help your student succeed in life...not just a career. This is our home.

More Questions?

Search through the links on this page. If you still don't have an answer PLEASE CONTACT EC.

That's why we're here. And we're good at questions.

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