Western Illinois University is a mid-sized, public, co-educational university. Granted recognition by the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity as a “Best Practice Institution” for the retention of first-generation and low-income students, the University offers small class sizes and a low faculty-to-student ratio. Western Illinois students receive personal attention from their professors and mentors, and the University is comprised of two campuses that provide a wide range of academic programs, including a strong teacher education program.