As a destination along the state’s innovation corridor, Illinois Wesleyan University’s entrepreneurship program has been recognized as one of the best in the nation.
Illinois Wesleyan was ranked as the best university in Illinois and the Great Lakes Region, as well as the 9th best undergraduate school in the U.S., for entrepreneurial studies students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, according to College Factual.
Using core data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from agencies of the U.S. Department of Education, College Factual ranked colleges by examining degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings.
The entrepreneurship major at IWU is committed to awakening students to the excitement of learning and innovation while preparing them to function independently in a professional environment immediately upon graduation.
Illinois Wesleyan is the future home of The Petrick Idea Center, a state-of-the-art living and learning innovation space equipped for collaboration and vetting new ventures. The Petrick Idea Center will occupy the southwest corner of the Eckley Quadrangle, with groundbreaking anticipated in summer of 2023, with the building targeted for completion in 2025.
“These rankings reflect the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at IWU, as well as the investment of time, talent and treasure of our alumni and other supporters,” said John Quarton, director of The Petrick Idea Center. “We are committed to continue to offer the best innovation and entrepreneurship learning experiences for our students, both inside and outside the classroom. As we ramp up our efforts toward building The Petrick Idea Center and its programs, I am confident you will see IWU rise in similar state and national rankings. The best high school innovators and entrepreneurs seeking a high-quality liberal arts education will be attracted to our creative, cross-disciplinary, collaborative community of builders and makers with a conscience.”
This distinction from College Factual adds to numerous rankings that prove Illinois Wesleyan University is a launch pad for innovative and successful individuals – such as IWU’s 2021 ranking by Zippia as the best university in Illinois for job placement after graduation.
Upcoming entrepreneurial events at IWU:
- IWU will co-host the 2022 Bloomington-Normal Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on Nov. 3, honoring a member of the McLean County business community and an Illinois Wesleyan alumnus/alumna whose long-term achievements reflect a dedication to the spirit and practice of entrepreneurship.
- In an effort to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and new venture creation among youth, Illinois Wesleyan will also host the finals of the Celebrating High School Innovators (CHSI) competition on April 22, 2023.
- Illinois Wesleyan also produces regular Titan Talks webinars, including a series on innovation. The next Titan Talks: Innovation Series episode will feature Haden Kirkpatrick, vice president of innovation and venture capital at State Farm, on Aug. 30.
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