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WIU: Best Bang for the Buck, Top Master's School, Best for Student Voting

September 10, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – For the nine years running, Western Illinois University has been listed one of the best Midwestern colleges, and one of the best colleges overall for student voting by the Washington Monthly.

This year, WIU, ranked at number 57, is listed as a "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern schools, according to the 2021 Washington Monthly College Guide, which is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition, WIU is also the highest ranked Illinois public master's institution out of 616 nationwide in the Washington Monthly's Top Master's Universities category. Western is ranked 51st.

"An affordable education, that is accessible to all, has been a hallmark of our institution since we opened our doors in 1902, and we appreciate the acknowledgment of our programs," said WIU President Guiyou Huang. "I'm also so pleased that the civic activism demonstrated by our student body has been recognized. I'm proud of our students and their efforts in standing up for what they believe in."

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.

WIU is also one of 205 schools nationwide to be named to the Washington Monthly's "Best Colleges for Student Voting" honor roll. The criteria to be named to the list includes a commitment to increasing voter registration and voting percentages. This is the second year that WIU has been included in the Washington Monthly's voting honor roll.

"I am pleased that Western Illinois University has once again been named to Washington Monthly's "Best Colleges for Student Voting" honor roll," said WIU Political Science and History Chair Keith Boeckelman. "This recognition is a testament to Western's continuing commitment to engaging students in the political process, and ensuring that their voices are heard."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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