Students at Eureka College benefit from strong debt management outcomes, with graduates maintaining excellent loan repayment records that reflect financial stability after graduation.
The college provides reliable degree completion pathways, particularly supporting first-generation students through to graduation.
Eureka College is a small private nonprofit institution in Illinois that offers an intimate educational experience with about 23% of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students. The college provides moderate access to students from diverse backgrounds while maintaining the personalized attention typical of small liberal arts institutions.
Graduates earn a median of $51,641 ten years after enrollment, placing the college around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared to similar institutions, the college's strength lies in its supportive environment and the close relationships students build with faculty and peers.
As a small private college, Eureka offers the benefits of personalized education and tight-knit community connections. The college falls into the "Selective Achievers" category for mobility, indicating it serves some low-income students effectively, though access remains more limited than at larger public institutions. For students who value the small college experience and understand the financial trade-offs, Eureka provides a solid foundation for career development.
Eureka College's program portfolio centers around Business Administration, which serves as both the most popular major and the highest aggregate return program. With 34 graduates earning early-career salaries around $35,274, business represents the college's primary pathway into stable professional careers. The program benefits from the personalized attention and faculty mentorship that small colleges can provide.
As a small liberal arts institution, Eureka's strength lies not in program breadth but in the depth of relationships and support students receive within their chosen fields. The intimate scale means students work closely with faculty and develop strong peer networks that can prove valuable throughout their careers. While the college may not offer the specialized programs or research opportunities of larger universities, it provides solid preparation for business careers and other professional paths through its focused academic approach.
Graduates of Eureka College see moderate long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $51,641 ten years after enrollment. This places the college around the national average for earnings performance, though graduates don't significantly outperform expectations compared to similar institutions. The college's small size means fewer total graduates enter the workforce each year, but those who do generally find stable employment.
Business Administration stands out as the college's largest program and highest aggregate return major, with 34 graduates earning a median of $35,274 in their early careers. While this represents more modest starting salaries compared to larger research universities, business graduates benefit from the strong alumni networks and personal connections that small colleges often provide. The intimate class sizes and direct faculty mentorship can help students develop the professional skills and relationships that support long-term career growth, even if initial earnings are more moderate.
Affordability at Eureka College presents mixed outcomes for different income groups. Low-income students pay about $21,076 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $24,524 per year. These net prices are relatively high compared to public alternatives but reflect the typical pricing structure of small private colleges that rely heavily on tuition revenue.
Debt levels require careful consideration for prospective families. Typical graduates leave with about $23,250 in federal student loan debt, and families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $18,458. While the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating graduates generally manage their debt obligations, the combination of moderate earnings and substantial borrowing means families should carefully evaluate their ability to handle the financial commitment over the long term.
Eureka College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
