What if we told you that you could further your education, right in your backyard? Would you believe us? Going to college in your hometown and having access to higher education is easier than ever with help from the GradCenter, an organization designed to provide access to outstanding graduate education in the greater Quad Cities.
At the GradCenter, we’re designed for students whose work and family responsibilities make traditional on-campus study difficult, but besides that, there are many other advantages to earning a MBA, certificate or taking professional update courses through the GradCenter, especially with Western Illinois University-Quad City’s programs.
Kellie Larrabee, from The School of Graduate Studies at WIU-QC, says, “Western Illinois University-Quad Cities offers students access to graduate degree programs, right in their backyard, with diverse faculty and staff, and a wide array of graduate and certificate programs, students are now able to further their education while saving money, networking in their hometown and still have time for family.”
So what are the additional benefits to attending WIU-QC? Here are FIVE reasons why you should enroll with WIU-QC, and receive access to graduate education, right in your backyard.
Four-year cost guarantee
WIU-QC is the only four-year public university in the Quad Cities region and WIU-QC offers a four-year cost guarantee. That means that tuition and fees are frozen for four years so that the cost of tuition stays the same, each year a student is enrolled at WIU-QC. No surprises or up-charges, just the same quality education.
Get to know your community
At WIU-QC, we take pride in the fact that we have more faculty, staff and community members involved in giving personal tours, reaching out to prospective students, volunteering, and representing WIU-QC at community events. The university and the community work together to position WIU-QC for the future. We’re moving forward!
It’s just facts
Western Illinois University boasts many titles, from “Best Midwestern University” for 14 consecutive years, to U.S. News and World Report, “Best Midwestern College”, for 15 years in a row, to The Princeton Review saying, “Best for Vets College,” and Military Times EDGE magazine for eight consecutive years. With all of these awards, you can be sure that you’re receiving the best education. It’s a no brainer.
Ample amounts of internship opportunities
WIU-QC places students into internships and potential job placements around the world, including the Criminal Justice Program. The School of Engineering operates and staffs the Quad City Manufacturing Lab (QCML), a center of excellence in advanced materials and manufacturing techniques with a focus on 3D metal printing technology. QCML provides student internships and performs R&D with universities, industry, and government organizations around the country.
Exceptional rates in post-grad job placement
WIU-QC offers many different programs, including Supply Chain Management, which was named Top 30 in the US, and is one of the 13 signature programs at WIU. This program has strong connections to the industry and nearly 100% job placement at graduation. The Communication Program at WIU-QC has launched more than 80 graduates into professional careers at employers including John Deere, HNI Corporation, KONE, Girl Scouts, WQAD, WHBF, Securitas Security Services, Principal Financial Group, and Wells Fargo. WIU-QC is the only university in the area to offer a Human Resources (HR) Management major and minor. Graduates from this program hold excellent positions in the Quad Cities and beyond. Additionally, a 100% job placement rate for federal jobs for students in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration Program.
To learn more about the GradCenter, visit https://gradcenter.org/.