Eureka College
Eureka, United States
Eureka College
Eureka, United States
Founded
1855
Institution Type
Private Liberal Arts
Total Students
558
Acceptance Rate
88%
Eureka College: A Historic Liberal Arts Institution in the Heart of Illinois
Eureka College: A Historic Liberal Arts Institution in the Heart of Illinois
Eureka College is a private liberal arts college located on nearly 70 wooded acres in Eureka, Illinois, approximately 20 miles east of Peoria. Chartered by the Illinois Legislature in 1855, the college was founded by abolitionists from Kentucky who were members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and were committed to providing a broad, liberal education. It holds the unique distinction of being among the first colleges in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis.
Eureka College is perhaps most widely known as the alma mater of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who graduated in 1932 with a joint major in economics and sociology. It is the smallest college or university in American history to have awarded a bachelor's degree to a future U.S. president. The campus features the Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden, housing the second-largest collection of Reagan memorabilia outside the presidential library in Simi Valley, California.
Today, Eureka College offers over 30 majors, 20 minors, and multiple pre-professional programs. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 and over 65% of classes with fewer than 20 students, the college emphasizes personalized education, leadership development, and community engagement. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and competes in NCAA Division III athletics.
Key Milestones
- 1848: Founded as Walnut Grove Academy by abolitionists from Kentucky opposed to slavery
- 1855: Chartered by the Illinois Legislature as Eureka College, one of the first colleges in the U.S. to admit men and women equally
- 1932: Ronald Reagan graduates with a degree in economics and sociology, later becoming the 40th U.S. President
- 2010: Campus designated as a national historic district by the National Park Service
Academic Programs at Eureka College
Academic Programs at Eureka College
Eureka College offers 33 majors, 20 minors, and 13 pre-professional programs within a liberal arts framework. The curriculum is built around the college's 10 Essentials, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their individual interests and career goals while acquiring skills valued by employers.
Social Science and Business
This division offers programs that prepare students for careers in business, public service, and the social sciences, with emphases available in finance, management, marketing, and international business.
- Business Administration (BS)
- Criminal Justice/Sociology (BS)
- Accounting (BS)
Science and Mathematics
The Science and Mathematics division provides analytical thinking and observation skills needed for graduate school or careers in scientific and healthcare fields, including cooperative programs with partner institutions.
- Biology (BA/BS)
- Chemistry (BA/BS)
- Environmental Science (BS)
Education
Eureka's education programs prepare future teachers with evidence-based instructional practices and offer licensure pathways for elementary, middle grades, secondary, and special education.
- Elementary Education (BA/BS)
- Secondary English Education
- Middle Grades Education (BA/BS)
Humanities and Fine Arts
Programs in the humanities and fine arts develop critical thinking, communication skills, and creative expression, supporting students pursuing careers in writing, media, the arts, and cultural studies.
- English (BA)
- Communication and Media Studies (BA)
- Music (BA)
Health and Kinesiology
These programs focus on exercise science, athletic training, and allied health fields, with cooperative degree pathways to graduate programs at partner universities.
- Kinesiology-Exercise Science (BA/BS)
- Kinesiology-Athletic Training (BS, 3+2)
- Child Life Specialist (BS)
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
The psychology programs offer a broad understanding of human behavior and provide pathways to graduate study, including cooperative programs in counseling and occupational therapy.
- Psychology (BS)
- Psychology and Counseling (BS, 3+2)
- Psychology/Occupational Therapy (BS, 3+2)
Admission Requirements for Eureka College
Admission Requirements for Eureka College
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationCommon Application or Eureka College application; no application fee
- GPAAverage admitted GPA of approximately 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized TestsTest-blind policy; SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor considered
- TranscriptsOfficial high school transcript required
- RecommendationsLetters of recommendation are considered
Transfer Student Admission
- GPA RequirementMinimum transferable GPA of 2.0
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previously attended colleges
- Credit HoursStudents with fewer than 24 semester hours must also submit high school transcripts
- ArticulationMember of the Illinois Articulation Initiative for transferable general education
- Financial AidTransfer scholarships available for qualifying students
Eureka College uses rolling admissions; applications are reviewed as they are received throughout the year.
Recommended final deadline for fall semester enrollment to ensure full consideration for financial aid.
Invited applicants compete in a virtual scholarship competition for the Reagan Leadership Program full-tuition award.
Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at Eureka College
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at Eureka College
As a private institution, Eureka College charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. Every admitted student receives institutional scholarships, and 99% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarship aid.
| Cost Category | On-Campus Student | Commuter Student |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | USD 28,636 | USD 28,636 |
| Room and Board | USD 12,198 | N/A |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,200 | USD 1,200 |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | USD 1,000 | USD 3,100 |
| Total | USD 43,034 | USD 32,936 |
Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program
A prestigious four-year, full-tuition scholarship created by President Reagan during his first term in office. Reagan Fellows also receive funded mentorships and international travel opportunities.
- Award Amount: Full tuition for four years
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with minimum 3.3 GPA, by invitation
- Selection: Up to four Reagan Fellows named per year via competitive process
Eureka College Merit Scholarships
All full-time admitted students receive merit-based institutional aid. Academic awards are determined by weighted cumulative GPA, and additional grants are available based on residential status and financial need.
- Average Aid Package: USD 23,068
- Students Receiving Aid: 99% of enrolled students
- Average Net Price: Approximately USD 19,443 after scholarships and grants
Campus and Facilities at Eureka College
Campus and Facilities at Eureka College
Eureka College's campus spans nearly 70 wooded acres in the charming small town of Eureka, Illinois. The campus was designated a national historic district by the National Park Service in 2010, featuring buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places alongside modern athletic and academic facilities.
The college's historic administration building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a symbol of Eureka's heritage.
Home to the second-largest collection of Reagan memorabilia outside the presidential library, including a section of the Berlin Wall.
Dedicated in 1970 by Ronald and Neil Reagan, the complex houses athletic facilities including the Bonati Fitness Center and pool.
Housing and Dining
Residential Life
Eureka College offers on-campus housing with 465 dormitory spaces. The residential experience fosters a close-knit community with Resident Assistants available to support students.
- Traditional residence halls with single and double rooms
- Renovated living quarters with modern amenities
- Greek housing for fraternity and sorority members
Dining Services
On-campus meal plans are available for residential students at approximately USD 5,304 per academic year. Dining facilities offer a variety of meal options to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Full meal plan options for residential students
- Flexible dining schedules throughout the academic year
- Special events like Midnight Breakfast during finals week
Student Life at Eureka College
Student Life at Eureka College
Eureka College offers a vibrant student life experience with approximately 40 extracurricular activities, active Greek life, and a strong tradition of community service. About 24% of the student body participates in Greek organizations, and the college hosts signature events like Founders' Day and the annual Eureka Serves community service day.
Eureka, Illinois: A Charming Small-Town College Setting
Eureka, Illinois: A Charming Small-Town College Setting
Life in Eureka, Illinois
Eureka is a charming small town in central Illinois with a population of approximately 5,000 residents. Located 20 miles east of Peoria and 30 miles from Bloomington, the town offers a safe, close-knit community ideal for focused academic study while remaining accessible to larger cities for internships, entertainment, and travel.
Proximity to Peoria
Just 20 miles from Peoria, Illinois' eighth-largest city, students have access to restaurants, shopping, cultural venues, and internship opportunities.
Transportation Access
The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is nearby, and Amtrak train service is available in Bloomington, 30 miles away.
Safe Community
Eureka's small-town atmosphere provides a safe, welcoming environment with very low crime rates, enhanced by campus security and local police presence.
Central Illinois Heritage
The area is rich in American history, situated along the Reagan Trail and near Abraham Lincoln historical sites, offering cultural and educational excursions.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Fields Where Eureka Graduates Excel
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
International students must take the TOEFL and provide proof of English proficiency as part of the admission process.
Eureka College provides international student services including orientation, academic advising, and career development support to help students succeed.
The Four Years or Free Tuition Guarantee ensures qualifying students who meet academic requirements will graduate on time or receive free tuition for additional semesters needed.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Eureka College Rankings
Eureka College Rankings
Eureka College is recognized as a quality regional liberal arts institution. As a small private college focused on undergraduate education, it appears in regional college rankings rather than national university rankings. Its strong emphasis on personalized education and leadership development distinguishes it among peer institutions.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Most popular major with strong career outcomes | Contact the university for current data |
| Criminal Justice | Among the most enrolled programs at the college | Contact the university for current data |
| Education | Highly regarded teacher preparation programs with state licensure pathways | Contact the university for current data |
| Psychology | Popular major with cooperative graduate pathways to partner universities | Contact the university for current data |
Features
Eureka College, founded in 1855 in Eureka, Illinois, is a private liberal arts institution known for its historic legacy as the alma mater of President Ronald Reagan. With around 527 undergraduate students and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it offers a personalized and supportive learning environment. The college emphasizes leadership, service, and experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and community engagement. Students benefit from small classes, close mentorship, and strong academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education. Guided by its values of character, integrity, and civic responsibility, Eureka prepares graduates to succeed in their careers and to make a meaningful impact on society.

Accommodation
Eureka College offers on-campus accommodation services to students.

Work While Studying
Students at Eureka College can work while studying.

Co-op/Internship Participation
Eureka College offers robust internship services through its Career Services Office to help students gain practical experience and build professional networks.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - June
Location
300 E College Ave, Eureka, IL 61530, United States
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