Eureka College

With 32 majors and 21 minors, Eureka leans heavily into business (20% of students), criminal justice (13%), and psychology (12%) ([U.S. News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eureka-college-1678/academics), [Niche](https://www.niche.com/colleges/eureka-college/majors/)). The college promotes its 'balance' of liberal arts and pre-professional programs ([Eureka.edu](https://www.eureka.edu/academics/find-your-major)), but alumni warn that STEM opportunities are scarce—one biology grad noted limited resources in a Facebook post ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/914136503755268/posts/1499536161881963/)). The small size (under 1,000 students total) means close faculty interaction, with an honors program and 13 pre-professional tracks ([RLP](https://rlp.eureka.edu/learn-more-about-eureka-colleges-academic-programs/)).

Life here revolves around the 70% of students who live on campus ([U.S. News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eureka-college-1678/student-life)) in what's frequently described as a 'close-knit community' ([Niche](https://www.niche.com/colleges/eureka-college/campus-life/)). The college pushes leadership development ('think critically, lead boldly' per their [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/EurekaCollege/)) through clubs, Greek life, and Division III athletics. Diversity is touted as a 'core value' ([Eureka.edu](https://www.eureka.edu/current-students/resources/category/student-life-resources)), though concrete demographics aren't highlighted. The Office of Student Life emphasizes 'personal development' programming ([OSL](https://www.eureka.edu/student-life/office-of-student-life/about-osl)), suggesting a focus on holistic growth over party culture.

The numbers tell two stories: 96% of 2017-2018 grads reported positive career outcomes (employment or grad school), with 100% claiming they felt 'prepared to succeed' ([Eureka.edu](https://www.eureka.edu/student-life/career-services/career-services-overview/profile/outcomes)). But the 6-year graduation rate is just 41% ([Research.com](https://research.com/best-colleges/eureka-college/graduation-rate-and-career)), and Pell Grant recipients graduate at a 13% lower rate than their peers ([U.S. News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eureka-college-1678/overall-rankings)). Alumni debate the validity of outcome stats—one Facebook post notes a 7% drop in positive outcomes over time ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/914136503755268/posts/1218189913349924/)). The College Scorecard ([ED.gov](https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?144971)) shows median earnings data is unavailable, leaving questions about long-term ROI.

The sticker price is $45,122 ([CollegeData](https://www.collegedata.com/college-search/Eureka-College)), but the average net price after aid drops to $19,443-$20,215 ([MeetYourClass](https://www.meetyourclass.com/eureka/cost), [BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/eureka-college/tuition-and-costs)). Eureka offers a net price calculator ([Eureka.edu](https://www.eureka.edu/net-pricing-calculator)) and promotes scholarships for 2025-26 onward ([Financial Aid](https://www.eureka.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/financial-aid-and-va-benefits/financial-aid-and-va-resources)). U.S. News notes the aid packages average $10,861 ([U.S. News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eureka-college-1678/paying)), making it relatively affordable for private college—if students graduate on time.

Eureka's Reagan connection (he graduated in 1932) gives it historical cachet, but its real selling point is the hyper-personalized experience of a 600-student campus where everyone knows your name. The career outcomes rate—if taken at face value—suggests strong professional preparation, particularly in business and criminal justice. But it's best suited for self-motivated students who can navigate its spotty graduation rates and limited resources. As one Facebook alum put it: 'Most professors are great, but opportunities are scarce'—a microcosm of the small-college tradeoff.