EMU Today

YPSILANTI – For the 15th consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University has been rated as one of the best colleges in the Midwest, according to The Princeton Review.

The nationally known education services company recommends Eastern as one of 158 institutions in 12 Midwestern states to its list for 2018. Eastern was one of only 16 Michigan universities or colleges that made the list out of the more than 60 four-year post-secondary institutions in the state.

The Princeton Review does not rank the 658 colleges in its "2018 Best Colleges: Region by Region" list hierarchically or in various categories. The colleges that The Princeton Review chose for its "Best in the Midwest" 2018 list are located in twelve states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The Princeton Review also designated 229 colleges in the Northeast, 127 in the West, 140 in the Southeast and four international institutions as best in their locales on the company’s "2018 Best Colleges: Region by Region" lists. 

Collectively, the 658 colleges named "regional best(s)" constitute about 22 percent of the nation's approximately 3,000 four-year colleges.

In its profile on Eastern, The Princeton Review lists the University’s relatively low tuition, along with its financial aid level and the opportunities to become involved in Eastern’s diverse campus life.

This fall, the University enrolled its third largest entering freshman class in EMU history. Reasons frequently cited for Eastern Michigan’s appeal to students include:

• The Eastern Michigan University Student Center was ranked the number one student union in the country, according to a national website dedicated to evaluating and ranking college programs and experiences for prospective students. The 25 Best Student Unions was published by College Rank.

• Students on University tours are also taking notice of the $90 million Science Complex, which serves as the centerpiece of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education at Eastern. This fall, the University is beginning renovations on adjacent Strong Hall, the third and final phase of the Science Complex. This past year, the Michigan legislature approved final funding for the project. The estimated cost to renovate Strong Hall is $40 million, with a funding mix of 75 percent state and 25 percent University.

• Over the last nine years, Eastern has continually reinvested in improving its academic facilities and residence halls, along with upgrading classroom technology.

• This past summer’s flurry of construction activity featured academic facility enhancements, improvements in campus safety and security, IT infrastructure and classroom technology, sustainability enhancements that will significantly reduce energy consumption/costs, as well as extensive improvements to Wise Residence Hall and further expansion and renovation of dining options.

• Eastern has also recently invested in more advising services, including increasing staff and opening the Francine Parker Advising Center in the Student Center, and opening an additional financial aid walk-in center in McKenny Hall.

• Affordability for students continues to be a priority.

The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its test-prep courses, tutoring, books, and other student resources. The Company is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 21,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.