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"Best Midwestern College" & "Top Tier Midwestern University" Among WIU Honors

WIU offers students a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, many with high job placements. The University also provides its unique Cost Guarantee program, which freezes tuition and fees during four years of continuous enrollment.

WIU is:

  • A "Best Midwestern University" – U.S. News and World Report
  • A "Best Midwestern College" – 21 years – The Princeton Review
  • A "Best for Vets College" – Military Times magazine
    • Western is the only Illinois public four-year university in the top 50 among four-year schools and is one of two Illinois public universities appearing on this year's four-year schools' list.

Additional recognitions:

  • #57 on list of best "Regional Universities Midwest" - U.S. News & World Report
    • In addition to its regional recognition, WIU stands out in several specialized categories:
      • #16 in Top Public Schools
      • #55 in Best Value Schools
      • #27 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie)
      • #44 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
  • "Best in the Midwest" – Princeton Review
    • One of 158 regional universities
    • One of three Illinois public institutions
  • WIU is a "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern School – 2021 Washington Monthly College Guide
    • #12 among the top 25 Best Bang for Buck Midwestern Schools
    • Highest ranked Illinois public master's institution out of 164 nationwide in "Top Master's University"
    • One of 157 schools nationwide to be named to the "Best College for Student Voting" Honor Roll
  • WIU's chemistry program was named the best in the nation for women in STEM by Washington Monthly (September 2024). 
  • WIU's online MBA Program was named on a list of "Most Affordable Online MBA Programs for 2025" by College Consensus.

Supporting Veterans

  • "Military Friendly School" for 15 consecutive years - Viqtory/Military Friendly
    • Gold status
    • Ranked eighth in the United States for small public universities earning top 10 for Military Spouse Friendly School.
  • 2020 "Best for Vets College" - Military Times magazine
    • #24 out of 134 in United States.
    • Only Illinois public institution in the top 50.
  • Visit our Veterans Resource Center for more details