Overview of Eureka College
Eureka College, located in Eureka, Illinois, is a private liberal arts institution with a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a transformative education. Established in 1855, the college has evolved into a dynamic learning community that emphasizes intellectual inquiry, leadership development, and community engagement. Eureka College is perhaps best known for its association with Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who graduated from the college in 1932.
Academic Programs: Eureka College offers a range of undergraduate programs across disciplines such as arts and sciences, business, education, and health and wellness. The college’s commitment to the liberal arts is reflected in its comprehensive curriculum, which aims to provide students with a broad-based education that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and a well-rounded understanding of the world.
The academic structure includes divisions such as the Division of Fine and Performing Arts, the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Division of Science and Mathematics. These divisions offer programs designed to prepare students for careers, graduate studies, and lifelong learning.
Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program: One of the distinctive features of Eureka College is the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program. This program is rooted in the values of leadership, service, and citizenship. It seeks to develop students into ethical leaders who can make positive contributions to their communities and the world.
The Reagan Leadership Program includes a series of courses, workshops, and experiential opportunities that focus on leadership development. The program is inspired by the principles and leadership style of Ronald Reagan, who credited Eureka College with helping shape his character and leadership skills.
Community Engagement and Service: Eureka College places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service. The college actively encourages students to contribute to the community through volunteer work, service-learning initiatives, and internships. The Office of Community Engagement plays a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and fostering partnerships with local organizations.
Through programs like the “Eureka Works” initiative, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful community service projects that address local needs. This commitment to service aligns with the college’s mission to develop socially responsible leaders who are actively involved in making a positive impact on society.
Campus Life: The campus life at Eureka College is characterized by a close-knit community and a supportive environment. The college offers a range of student organizations, clubs, and activities that cater to diverse interests. From academic and professional organizations to cultural and recreational clubs, students have opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests.
Residential life is an integral part of the college experience at Eureka. Living on campus provides students with a sense of community, fostering friendships and collaboration. The college’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment contributes to a positive campus culture.
Athletics: Athletics play a role in campus life at Eureka College. The Red Devils, the college’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division III as members of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Eureka offers a variety of varsity sports, providing student-athletes with opportunities for competition, teamwork, and personal growth.
The college’s commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes is evident in its emphasis on sportsmanship, academic success, and character development. Athletics contribute to school spirit and a sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni.
Legacy of Ronald Reagan: Eureka College is often associated with Ronald Reagan, who graduated from the college in 1932. The Ronald Reagan Museum on campus celebrates the life and legacy of the former President. The museum includes exhibits, memorabilia, and information about Reagan’s time at Eureka College and his contributions to the nation.
The college takes pride in its association with Ronald Reagan and views his success as an embodiment of the values and principles the institution seeks to instill in its students. The Reagan Leadership Program, in particular, honors his legacy by inspiring future leaders to embody the same commitment to leadership, service, and civic engagement.
Conclusion: Eureka College stands as a vibrant and transformative institution that values intellectual inquiry, leadership development, and community engagement. Its history, commitment to the liberal arts, and association with Ronald Reagan contribute to a unique educational experience. Eureka College continues to prepare graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the leadership skills and ethical values needed to make a positive impact on society.
300 E. College Avenue Eureka, IL 61530-1500
Phone: (309) 467-6345
Email: admissions@eureka.edu
Web site: http://www.eureka.edu
Rankings: Eureka College
Located in Eureka, IL, Eureka College is one of the best universities in the state of Illinois. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Eureka College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Eureka College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 30 |
| Score: | 58 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.7 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 24 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 74.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 52.8% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 22 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 65.2% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 14:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 78.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 30 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 19-25 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 10% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 33% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 70.7% |
| Financial resources rank: | 49 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 29 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 20.1% |
Essential Facts: Eureka College
- Eureka College in 1904. The college was founded in 1848 by a group of abolitionists who had left Kentucky because of their opposition to slavery and was originally named the Walnut Grove Academy.
- Its original name was Walnut Grove Academy. It is the first school in the United States to have rules to educate women on equal basis with men.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 567, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 65 acres. Eureka College’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges Midwest, #35.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 55% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 24% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 26% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 70% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 90% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, drama/theater, literary magazine, pep band, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |