Eastern University

A residential campus where 73% of students live in university housing, EU fosters community through multicultural organizations and a busy Student Activities Board that plans performances, movies, and dances. The small size (under 3,000 undergraduates) creates an intimate environment where talent shows and musical performances become focal points. While Niche reviews mention adequate but unremarkable dining and housing, the school promotes its 'inclusive, welcoming campus' through diversity scholarships and cultural programming.

Graduation rates tell two stories: the official 150% rate (6 years for bachelor's degrees) sits at 60%, below national averages, but the 4-year rate of 51% places EU in the top 40% of institutions. For those who graduate, outcomes appear strong—96.4% of 2024 survey respondents reported being employed or in graduate school. This suggests the school struggles with retention but delivers for persistent students, particularly in nursing where licensure exams and clinical placements likely boost employability.

With a sticker price of $57,358 including room and board, EU relies heavily on discounts—100% of students receive some form of grant aid, averaging $16,422 annually. The net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests most families pay significantly less than the published rate, with school-specific grants averaging $13,626. This aggressive discounting reflects the challenges of recruiting students to a mid-tier private college in a competitive regional market.

Eastern University carves a niche by combining evangelical Christian identity with pragmatic career preparation, particularly in healthcare. Its near-open admissions policy creates unusual diversity for a faith-based school, while the 73% residential rate fosters stronger community than most commuter-friendly institutions. The nursing program's dominance gives it a regional reputation in healthcare education, though the low graduation rates suggest students should carefully assess their likelihood of persisting.