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The 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings affirm º£½Ç´óÉñ's growing national reputation, showing significant progress in key areas like value, veteran support, and program quality. EIU's upward movement reinforces its dedication to accessible, high-quality education that consistently produces excellent outcomes for students and their families.

Key highlights:

• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois

• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois for Best Value (Regional Universities – Midwest)
• #1 independent Public Regional University in Illinois for Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Universities – Midwest)
• #1 overall Public Regional University for Social Mobility in Illinois

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For Illinois students and families weighing their college options, recent statewide data offers encouraging insight into what happens after graduation at º£½Ç´óÉñ.

In the most recent report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), EIU recorded a 91.2 percent placement rate for its graduates, meaning more than nine out of ten students were employed or enrolled in further education within six months of earning their bachelor’s degrees.

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º£½Ç´óÉñ's Online Cybersecurity program has been named the second-highest-ranked program in Illinois for 2026 by OnlineCybersecurity.org. This recognition underscores EIU’s growing reputation as a leader in cybersecurity education and workforce preparation. The ranking reflects the program’s strong academic foundation and its continued commitment to advancing learning opportunities in a field that is expanding rapidly across industries.

OnlineCybersecurity.org evaluates institutions nationwide through a detailed review process that considers program quality, accessibility, student experience, and career outcomes. Additionally, EIU’s Online Cybersecurity master’s program was ranked in the , just below the University of Arizona and the University of California-Berkeley.

º£½Ç´óÉñ has been awarded the 2025 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention™ from Vector Solutions, recognizing the University’s exceptional commitment to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment.

The represents the highest standard of excellence for digital prevention and well-being education in higher education. The distinction honors institutions that demonstrate measurable impact and evidence-based leadership in critical areas of safety and prevention.

º£½Ç´óÉñ has been designated an Opportunity College and University by the .

Carnegie’s Opportunity College and University is a prestigious designation reserved for less than 500 institutions of higher education serving as models for how campuses can foster student success. The recognition affirms and underscores EIU’s commitment to serving its community and advancing student success through affordable access and strong post-graduation performance.

º£½Ç´óÉñ has once again been named to the Transfer Honor Roll by the Honor Society (PTK) for 2025, based on National Student Clearinghouse data combined with self-reported institutional information.

The recognition is based on 40 metrics measuring support for transfer students, including admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, and bachelor’s degree completion rates. EIU was one of only 251 colleges and universities to make the exclusive list for 2025. PTK’s Transfer Honor Roll recognizes four-year institutions in the top 25 percent of institutions that have completed a PTK Connect profile, which combines National Student Clearinghouse data with self-reported institutional information.

MastersInAI.org's independent reviews of degree programs in high-demand tech fields like AI and cybersecurity analyze tuition, mandatory fees, and funding opportunities at nearly 250 universities to identify the 25 most affordable programs — all priced at or below $18,000.

EIU emerged as a top competitor as the . This recognition underscores EIU's commitment to keeping advanced cybersecurity education accessible and affordable in Illinois and throughout the Midwest.

EIU's AI & Cybersecurity online master's programs also have been in the top 10 lists from Forbes Association and others. 

First-Gen Forward is the nation's first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The organization appointed . 

º£½Ç´óÉñ's Online BA in Psychology program has earned an impressive #25 national ranking for affordability in Affordable Degree Guide 2024 list of Online Bachelor's in Psychology programs.

This ranking highlights EIU's program’s commitment to delivering high-quality education while remaining accessible to students. Learn more . 

This honor is a reflection of EIU's commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and real-world readiness.

Rankings by are based on key factors that matter most to students, including academic quality, curriculum strength, faculty expertise, flexibility, and career preparation. .

The Military Friendly® Schools survey is the longest-running and most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students. The Military Friendly® Schools list is an exclusive collection of institutions offering certificate programs to doctoral degrees that, according to their website, "creates civilian opportunities for veterans.

By setting a standard, promoting it and raising the bar over time, it provides long term, positive reinforcement for American organizations to invest in programs that improve the lives of veterans. It’s about creating demand for veterans in the private sector. EIU also boasts a stellar ROTC program and innovative Military Student Assistance Center. 

ALL IN’s recognizes colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting.

To meet this criteria, EIU has participated in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge via Operation EIU Votes, shared voting data with ALL IN, and developed a nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan to increase student voting engagement.

º£½Ç´óÉñ was ranked on multiple lists by University Headquarters, a top site for college rankings and student resources that provides independent college rankings.

More information about the rankings is available on the .

º£½Ç´óÉñ has made Money’s annual Best Colleges in America list, which showcases the country’s top colleges and universities based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes.

The company uses a unique star system, and .