Hear the words Best in the Midwest in regards to higher learning around here and most would immediately say the University of Michigan. Scratch that conventional wisdom and scribble in Eastern Michigan University.

EMU received Princeton Review's “Best in the Midwest” designation in its 2009 Best Colleges: Region by Region. This isn't a flash in the pan either. It's the sixth straight year the school has received this designation.

Universities receive the designation based on academic excellence and survey information from students. Among EMU's attributes that led to this year's designation are its nursing program that advocates for social and economic justice and a tech-savy business program.

EMU's highly-regarded teaching program also received high marks, but the college scored high for not letting the program overshadow the rest of its curriculum.

Source: Eastern Michigan University
Writer: Jon Zemke