[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Undergraduate Colleges Covering Big and Small Student Populations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most rankings of America’s best colleges list the usual suspects: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, in the East. In the West, Stanford, Berkeley, Caltech. In the Midwest, the University of Chicago and a few Big Ten schools. In the South, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Emory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To round out such a list, most rankings also throw in a good number of small, elite, liberal arts colleges. Our list will also include some of these top colleges. But it will go well beyond that. In our ranking, you’ll find some exceptional schools that you won’t see on any other list.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In ranking the 50 best colleges in the United States, we don’t include the big research universities, which invest many more of their resources into graduate rather than undergraduate education. By a “college,” in this article, we mean a school that exists primarily to teach undergraduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thus, in our ranking, we list schools whose main degree is a bachelor’s or even an associate degree (in fact, our top-ranked school offers only a two-year degree).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Besides the usual academic benchmarks such as achievement and excellence, this ranking underscores the prospects for personal enrichment and advancement that await students AFTER GRADUATION. College, in our view, should be not merely a stepping stone to the next stage of life, whatever that may be, but a springboard to a full, rich, independent life.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thus, in our ranking, you’ll find Harvey Mudd College ahead of many more-famous, elite, liberal arts colleges. Why? For one thing, Harvey Mudd has an exceptional undergraduate engineering program. But there’s more: Harvey Mudd’s graduates have exceptional career prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Undergraduate Colleges and Universities Ranking Guidelines[/hen-ui-heading]
best-undergrad-colleges-in-us
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Of course, our ranking is not only concerned with “return on investment.” For a college, as opposed to a research university, we value especially the following five factors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]1. Record of achievement[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you graduate from any of the colleges in our ranking, you’ll have something to show for it. You’ll have a skill-set, a credential, a springboard to new possibilities. This can translate into cash, but it can also translate in other ways.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]2. Diversity of study[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We think excellence in a college education need not be confined to liberal arts and sciences. Business, engineering, architecture, seafaring, aviation, musicianship, visual arts, performing arts, filmmaking, animation, etc. are all legitimate pursuits in college, and a list of top colleges should reflect this diversity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]3. Freedom of inquiry and expression[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We believe that dogmatism and political correctness hinder true education. You’ll find liberal and conservative schools in our ranking. But we’ve tried to avoid elite schools who seem mainly in the business of indoctrination and politicization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]4. Academic Rigor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College should be fun, but also a time of intense concentration and effort. An undergraduate’s course of study should be thoroughgoing, empowering him or her with mastery of a subject, skill, or set of ideas. Also, more focus should be on primary sources rather than criticism.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]5. Low Cost and Minimal Debt[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A college education should not load students with massive debt. Large debts drastically limit what students can do after graduation. We like schools that charge zero tuition (yes, such schools exist — read on!), or have such big endowments that students with financial need can get scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unless stated otherwise, SAT scores include the 25th/75th percentile.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Top 50 Undergraduate Colleges in the United States for 2017–18[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”deep-springs”]1. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.deepsprings.edu/admissions/”]Deep Springs College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deep Springs, California[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deep Springs College, a unique alternative to the first half of a conventional, four-year college program, recruits students of exceptional ability. Many of its students have turned down offers from some of the nation’s most highly esteemed colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deep Springs is founded on the pillars of academics, self-governance, and labor, and prepares students for lives of service to humanity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admissions officers of the top schools know and respect the name of Deep Springs College. After students participate in a two-year, liberal arts honor program, most of them complete their degree at the world’s most prestigious four-year institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students learn from their responsibilities of authentic self-government and substantial physical labor, as well as from the school’s traditional arts curriculum. Students administer the labor program. They also have the dominant decision-making authority regarding curriculum, admissions, and hiring of faculty members.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professors live about 100 yards from students. They’re readily available to provide advice on academic life and other subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the classrooms, students discuss subjects with their professors in a seminar format. Many students develop their own independent or directed studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1917[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: East of Fresno, near the Nevada border[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 26 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admissions selectivity varies from 6% to 15%, year-to-year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Accepted students generally average in the upper 700 range for verbal and about 700 for math[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]4-to-1 student/teacher ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students work at least 20 hours a week on the farm, ranch, or in positions related to the college or community[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than two-thirds of alumni have a graduate degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each student receives a full scholarship valued at more than $50,000 per year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Thomas E. Fairchild, politician and federal judge; Raymond Jeanloz, geophysicist and recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant”; and Jim Olin, U.S. Congressman[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The school emphasizes academic ability, leadership potential, and the desire to assume active and practical responsibility for the ongoing life of the Deep Springs community. The school regards the interview and essays as more important parts of the admission process than the SAT. Although it seemed that women could apply to enroll in the class of 2013, as of this revision in 2017 only persons who identify as male are permitted to enroll at Deep Springs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]: Deep Springs is #1 in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”harvey-mudd”]2. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hmc.edu/admission/”]Harvey Mudd College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Claremont, California[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Harvey Mudd College — one of the nation’s leading math, science, and engineering colleges — is also a liberal arts college. Many of the engineers, scientists, and mathematicians become leaders in their fields. Harvey Mudd only offers undergraduate degrees. The college provides nine math, science, and engineering majors. All of the programs include humanities and social science courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Harvey Mudd College has the highest rate of science and engineering Ph.D production among all undergraduate colleges and second-highest compared to all colleges and universities. Graduates have produced great advances in technology such as MIME Standard, SQL, Flash, and Remote Procedure Calls.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students gain hands-on experience in high-level research projects and through the college’s world-renowned Clinic Program. They must complete at least one year of in-depth research or a challenging clinic project. They also work with notable companies in the clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school has a wide variety of clubs to keep students entertained and connected. The student population governs itself via a student-run Honor Code.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1955[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]842 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Los Angeles and San Bernardino[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]13% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]89% of the applicants ranked in the top 10% of their high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]29% of students in the entering class were valedictorian or salutatorian of their graduating high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading, 690/770; writing, 690/770; math, 740/800; and math two subject, 760/800[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]About 30% of the students are National Merit Scholars (second among liberal arts colleges in the nation)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include George “Pinky” Nelson, astronaut; Stan Love, astronaut; and Richard H. Jones, diplomat[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Harvey Mudd College seeks students who excelled in challenging courses, show a passion for math and science, appreciate the social sciences and humanities, and participate in activities outside of the classroom. The admission procedure includes recommendations from a mathematics or science recommender and a recommendation from an English, foreign language, or social studies recommender. Applicants should have four years of English.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]: Harvey Mudd ranks as the best college in California in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”curtis-institute”]3. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.curtis.edu/admissions/”]Curtis Institute of Music[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world’s leading conservatories, trains and educates exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists at the highest professional level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Curtis Institute offers complete musical training and liberal arts courses. Students train with some of the world’s leading musical artists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 60 graduates have performed at the Metropolitan Opera. The school’s trained instrumentalists comprise 16% of principal chairs of the top 25 U.S. orchestras. They have also been members of the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. Two New York Philharmonic music directors have come from the Curtis Institute.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates are regularly among the winners of the most prestigious honors and awards in classical music, including prizes, competitions, and career grants. Graduates have received Pulitzer Prizes, Grammy and Tony awards, and Guggenheim Fellowships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The institute enrolls just enough students to maintain a full symphony orchestra, an opera program, plus select departments in guitar, piano, composition, conducting, harpsichord, and organ.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Curtis Institute offers a performance Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Opera, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Opera.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The students participate in a busy schedule of performances. Every year, well known stage and music directors work with the Curtis Opera Theater on fully staged productions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1924[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]173 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Downtown[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students of elementary-school age or high-school age receive training from the same teachers at the same intensive levels as do older students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every student receives a full-tuition scholarship[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Faculty includes about 90 top-tier musical artists and highly credentialed classroom teachers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The institute does not have teaching assistants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Leonard Bernstein, composer, conductor, and pianist; Samuel Barber, composer; Gian Carlo Menotti, composer; Jaime Laredo, violinist and conductor; Richard Goode, pianist; Hilary Hahn, violinist; and many others[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The school selects students based on artistic promise. The institute has no minimum or maximum age requirements. Every applicant must audition in person.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curtis Institute of Music ranks #2 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-music-schools/”]The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S[/hen-ui-link]. and #3 in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”swarthmore”]4. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid/”]Swarthmore College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Swarthmore, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Swarthmore College, a private, liberal arts college, consistently hovers near the top of almost every ranking list of U.S. liberal arts colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college is known for rigorous intellectual inquiry, which is shaped by its commitment to social responsibility and the legacy of its Quaker heritage. Graduates include five Nobel Prize winners (second-highest number of Nobel Prize winners per graduate in the United States).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college provides a liberal arts and engineering curriculum. About one-third of the students pursue their degree through the school’s exceptional honors program. The college also offers community-based learning courses. Students can design their own major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1864[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Near Philadelphia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1545 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading, 680/770; math, 670/760; and writing, 680/770[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accepted 14.1%of applicants to the Class of 2016; 33% of the enrolled students were valedictorians or salutatorians; 53% were in the top two percent of their high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]94% first-year student retention rate (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]89% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]19.9% of graduates complete a doctoral program (third-highest in the nation)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Nancy Roman, NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy in the Office of Space Science; Michael Dukakis, 1988 Democratic presidential nominee; James Michener, novelist; Robert George, writer, thinker; and David Baltimore, Nobel Prize winning HIV and Cancer virologist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The private college is open to all students regardless of their financial need. Applicants are evaluated on factors such as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school record[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Class rank[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Essays[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Extracurricular commitments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recommendations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interview (highly recommended, but not required)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Swarthmore ranks as the best college in Pennsylvania in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#PA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link] and #52 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-universities-worldwide/#swarthmore/”]The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”williams”]5. [hen-ui-link href=”https://admission.williams.edu/#&panel1-1″]Williams College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Williamstown, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Williams College, a private, liberal arts college, consistently ranks among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Williams College ranked #1 among National U.S. colleges and universities in percentage of undergraduates participating in paid summer science research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The faculty has received recognition for scholarship and professional achievements. Williams College ranks third among national liberal arts colleges in the number of National Science Foundation Grants held by faculty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school has three academic divisions: Social Studies; Language and the Arts; and Science and Mathematics. The college uses Oxford-style tutorials. Experiential programs and courses challenge students to become more personally engaged in their learning via fieldwork from research, special projects, or placement in community organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Williams College encourages students to connect their community interests to their academic learning via a broad range of curricular and extracurricular programming. Its students are enrolled in over 150 off-campus program worldwide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1793[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Northwest corner of the state, adjacent to New York and Vermont[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college has about 2,000 undergraduates[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading, 660/770; and math, 650/760[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In most years, the college admits about 20% of applicants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]6-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college meets 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need for four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include A.R. Gurney, playwright and novelist; Stephen Birmingham, writer; and Michael Beschloss, historian[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The college enrolls students without regard to their ability to pay.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”usma”]6. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/SitePages/Home.aspx/”]United States Military Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]West Point, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The United States Military Academy, a four-year, public, liberal arts college, is one of the most selective colleges in the nation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The United States Military academy develops cadets in four vital areas: intellectual, physical, military, and moral-ethical.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cadets participate in Individual Advanced Development (IAD) activities. Some cadets participate in academic IADs, including at the Supreme Court, NASA, Crossroads to Africa, and the National Laboratories.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The academy provides a Bachelor of Science degree. After students graduate, they earn a commission in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. They have a five-year service requirement after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1802[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: On the Hudson River, north of New York City[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]4,624 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]11% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; math: 590/690; and writing: 550/660[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No annual cost to students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding General of the Union Army during the Civil War and 18th president of the U.S.; Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander in the European theater during World War II and 34th president of the U.S.; and Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander in the Pacific theater during World War II[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants are required to apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination from a congressional representative.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”william-mary”]7. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wm.edu/admission/index.php/”]College of William and Mary[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Williamsburg, Virginia[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College of William and Mary is a “Public Ivy”—one of eight in the nation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is well known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and its engaged, dedicated professors. The college has a historic dedication to community service. Seventy-five percent of the students participate in community service projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The College of William and Mary believes in original hands-on research. Undergrads, beginning with their first class, have opportunities to work with peers and faculty mentors on inspiring projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1693[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]6,276 undergraduates[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]79% of freshman graduated in the top 10% of their class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 620/730; math: 620/720; and writing: 620/720[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]95% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]83% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the U.S.; James Monroe, fifth president of the U.S.; and David Brown, astronaut.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: School representatives use a combination of GPA, choice of curriculum, and curriculum vigor to evaluate academic potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”pomona”]8. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pomona.edu/admissions/”]Pomona College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Claremont, California[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pomona College, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, provides an environment for intellectual development and personal growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college offers a comprehensive curriculum in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Professors teach all the courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a member of The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven independent institutions with contiguous campuses, Pomona College provides students with the personal experience of a small, high-level, liberal arts college, along with the extensive resources typically associated with major universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Incorporated in 1887[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,563 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Los Angeles and San Bernardino[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9% acceptance rate in 2017[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 680/780; math: 690/770; and writing: 680/780[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Of those ranked, 91% of the current freshman class were in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, and 21% were valedictorians or salutatorians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]90% of seniors graduate on time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]7-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]About 53% of the students receive scholarship assistance and no students pay the full cost of their education at Pomona College[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Roy E. Disney, senior executive, Walt Disney Company; Robert Shaw, six-time Grammy-winning conductor; and Colleen Hartman, astrophysicist and NASA administrator[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Academic excellence is the school’s main consideration. The school reports that it is interested in the best students; their ability to pay doesn’t matter.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pomona College ranks #46 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-universities-worldwide/#pomona/”]The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The School’s Ski-Beach Day appears in our list of 50 Crazy College Campus Traditions[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rose-hulman”]9. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rose-hulman.edu/admissions-and-aid/contact-admissions.html/”]Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Terre Haute, Indiana[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is one of the leading undergraduate engineering, mathematics, and science colleges in the nation. It’s one of the rare engineering schools in the U.S. focusing nearly entirely on undergraduate education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology reports that its seniors are highly sought-after by Fortune 500 firms, the nation’s best graduate schools, and emerging hi-tech companies. Rose-Hulman Ventures, situated on campus, provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects from an array of technology-based companies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1874[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2,278 students (2,202 undergraduates)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median class rank of typical freshman class: Top 7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 550/670; and math: 630/720[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]61% of applicants are admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]89% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Approximately 20% of students go directly to graduate school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Abe Silverstein, NASA center director and Guggenheim Medal winner; Lawrence Giacoletto, transistor pioneer; and Ernest R. Davidson, National Medal of Science winner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Regarding schools that rank students, the college expects applicants to be in the top 25% of their graduating class. For schools that don’t rank students, the college gives special attention to the quality and rigor of the curriculum students pursued.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”naval-academy”]10. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/”]United States Naval Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Annapolis, Maryland[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]United States Naval Academy, a four-year, coeducational, public, liberal arts college, is one of the nation’s most selective colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The academy provides a demanding four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy, or as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Moral development is a fundamental element of all aspects of the Naval Academy experience. The four-year program focuses on integrity, honor, and mutual respect. The academic program of every midshipman includes a core curriculum providing courses in science, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. The objective is a wide-based education to qualify students for nearly any career field in the Navy or Marine Corps. Students also have the opportunity to develop a specific area of academic interest.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1845[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: South of Baltimore, on Chesapeake Bay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]4,528 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]7% of applicants are admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; and math: 600/700[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]97% average freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]88% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition is fully funded by the U.S. Navy in return for an active-duty service obligation after graduation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the U.S.; Charles Bolden, NASA administrator; and Alan Sheppard, astronaut[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants are required to apply directly to the academy. They are also required to receive a nomination, typically from a congressional representative.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”risd”]11. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.risd.edu/admissions/”]Rhode Island School of Design[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providence, Rhode Island[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, pronounced “Rizdy”), one of the nation’s oldest and best-known colleges of art and design. The school offers bachelor’s degrees, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, as well as master’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RISD students can take classes at Brown University. Students can earn a dual degree from RISD and Brown University consisting of a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RISD and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate students participate in an intensive Foundation Studies program and also work in their studio major. Students earn a third of their credits in liberal arts subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students have access to the RISD Museum, which includes more than 80,000 works of art.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1877[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2,477 students (1,999 undergraduate students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]34% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; math: 590/660; and writing: 580/640[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On average, 95% of freshman continue at the school[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]71% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Nicole Miller, fashion designer and businessperson; Julie Mehretu, artist; and Martin Mull, actor and comedian[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Prospective applicants are encouraged to follow a college-preparatory program in secondary school and take courses in art history and studio art. Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who have first-hand knowledge of an applicant’s art or academic achievements are not required; however, recommendations can be very helpful in the consideration of an application.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”colorado-college”]12. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/application/”]Colorado College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado Springs, Colorado[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado College is nestled near the foot of the Rocky Mountains. This private liberal-arts college was founded in 1874 by the founder of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, General William Jackson Palmer. Palmer was a Civil War verteran.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college offer 42 majors and 33 minors. Colorado Colleges follows a “block plan“ in which students study one subject at a time in three and a half week blocks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1874[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 2,101 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]16% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Critical Reading: 670 SAT Math:660 SAT Writing:660[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]10:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Henry Ansbacher: director, documentary filmmaker, executive director of Just Media[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Vince Bzdek: former news editor of The Washington Post, author, editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lynne Cheney: novelist, scholar, and wife of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]:Colorado College requires that applicants submit either the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT test, or elect a third option including three exams of the applicant’s choice chosen from a list of acceptable exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”juilliard”]13. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.juilliard.edu/admissions/”]Juilliard School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Juilliard School, one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts schools, provides a superb performing arts education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school offers pre-professional training in music, dance, and drama. Graduates of the Juilliard School have won over 105 Grammy Awards, 62 Tony Awards, 47 Emmy Awards, 24 Academy Awards, and 16 Pulitzer Prizes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Besides taking courses specific to their major, students also take liberal arts courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The pre-college division teaches students enrolled in elementary school, junior high, and high school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1905[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: West of Lincoln Center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]580 undergraduate students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]6% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]95% average freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]82% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]5-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Paul Taylor, choreographer; Viola Davis, Kelsey Grammer, William Hurt, Val Kilmer, Kevin Kline, Christopher Reeve, Kevin Spacey, and Robin Williams, actors; Peter Schickele and Meredith Willson, composers; James Levine, conductor; Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter; Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zuckerman, violinists; and Leontyne Price, soprano[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The admissions process varies by department, but often applicants are required to audition. Juilliard School evaluates the transcripts and diplomas earned by applicants. The school does not require a GPA, specific courses, standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT, or a class rank for admission.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Juilliard ranks #1 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-music-schools/”]The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”bowdoin”]14. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/”]Bowdoin College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Brunswick, Maine[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bowdoin College, a “New Ivy“ private liberal arts college, is one of the elite colleges and universities outside of the Ivy League.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Due to its strengths in liberal arts and sciences, the college received a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college reports that a liberal arts education at Bowdoin College is not about being small and safe. Rather, it is about having the support to take surprising risks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the college, its curriculum provides a bold blueprint for liberal education designed to inspire students to become world citizens with acute sensitivity to the social and natural world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1794[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Portland and Augusta[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,806 undergraduates[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 670/750; math: 660/740; and writing: 670/760[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]15% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]97% first-year student retention rate (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]90% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 40% of the students receive grant assistance from Bowdoin College[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include George Mitchell, U.S. Senate Majority Leader; Henry W. Longfellow, poet and educator; and Nathaniel Hawthorne, novelist and short story writer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: A student’s overall academic record is by far the most important credential. Bowdoin College uses a holistic selection process based on individual review. Successful applicants are bright and engaged community members who show curiosity and a willingness to take intellectual risks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bowdoin College ranks as the best college in Maine in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#PA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link] and #75 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-universities-worldwide/#bowdoin/”]The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”air-force-academy”]15. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.academyadmissions.com/”]United States Air Force Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]El Paso County, Colorado[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]United States Air Force Academy, a public, liberal arts college, provides intellectual, physical, moral, and leadership development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The academy is a military school for officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Most graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1954[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Near Colorado Springs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]4,237 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]15% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 590/680; and math: 630/710[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. government pays for tuition and room and board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students have a commitment to serve a number of years of military service after they graduate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, U.S. Airways pilot known as “Hero of the Hudson”; General Douglas M. Fraser, commander, U.S. Southern Command; and Charles L. Veach, astronaut[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The academy evaluates the academic, athletic, character, and leadership potential of every applicant, as shown by their achievements and life experiences. Leadership activities are important. Applicants must also pass a fitness test and obtain a nomination, typically from the member of Congress in the applicant’s home district.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”haverford”]16. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.haverford.edu/admission/”]Haverford College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Haverford, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Haverford College, strong in all liberal arts and science areas, offers a personalized educational experience due to its small size.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society due to its academic strengths. Many of the students continue their studies at top national universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although all the students are undergraduates, they are involved in faculty research. Also, students can take classes at Swarthmore College, Bryn Mawr College, and the University of Pennsylvania.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The connection of academics to social justice issues is extended by three interdisciplinary centers: The Center for Peace and Global Citizenship, the Hurford Humanities Center, and the Koshland Integrated Natural Science Center.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1833[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Northwest of Philadelphia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,268 undergraduate students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 650/750; math: 650/750; and writing: 660/760[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]21% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]95.8% average freshman student retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]87% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Dave Barry, humorist; Gerald Levin, CEO, Time Warner; and Mark Geragos, criminal defense attorney[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The academic transcript receives the greatest weight. Due to its holistic and personal application evaluation process, the college recommends all applicants have an interview, if possible. The school reports that it is interested in students who show an ability and interest in achieving at the highest levels of scholarship and service, in engaging deeply and substantially with the community, and in growing intellectually and personally.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”colorado-school-mines”]17. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mines.edu/admissions/”]Colorado School of Mines[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Golden, Colorado[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado School of Mines, a public research institution, provides all the advantages of a world-class research institution with a size allowing for personal attention. The college is known for its excellent academic programs in engineering and applied sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado School of Mines, which is devoted to engineering and applied science, provides a curriculum and research program emphasizing responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources. The Colorado School of Mines has broad expertise in resource exploration, extraction, production, and utilization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research funding, provided by government agencies and corporations, supports cutting-edge work in alternative and traditional energy sources, earth sciences, mineral economics, environmental science, and engineering, as well as materials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Partnerships with government laboratories, including the Bureau of Land Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey, offer students great opportunities to participate in world-class research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Faculty members and student research new frontiers in resource exploration, extraction and processing; renewable energy production and distribution; and advanced materials; as well as in environmental impact, mitigation, and remediation. The college’s renowned faculty provides a challenging and supportive learning environment for students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1874[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Just west of Denver[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]4,610 undergraduate students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]About 12,000 applicants apply each year for 875 spots in the freshman class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]87% first year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 570/675; and math: 630/710[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]38 research centers on the Colorado School of Mines campus[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]#1 national ranking of student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Ryan O’Hayre, recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for scientists & Engineers; Mari Angeles Major-Sosias, vice-president, AREVA International Network; and Andrew P. Swinger, senior vice-president, Exxon Mobil[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Trigonometry is the minimum math requirement for freshman; however, applicants should complete pre-calculus or calculus, if they have the opportunity. Freshmen should also rank among the upper one-third of their high school class and have strong SAT or ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cooper-union”]18. [hen-ui-link href=”http://cooper.edu/admissions/”]Cooper Union[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cooper Union is known for its excellent engineering, architecture, and art programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates have received at least 18 Guggenheim fellowships, three MacArthur fellowships, three American Institute of Architects Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture, and one Nobel Prize.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Copper Union focuses on preparing students for the architecture, art, and engineering professions. It consists of three schools: Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture; the Albert Nerken School of Engineering; and the School of Art.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1859[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Near the East Village[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]964 students (876 undergraduate students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8% of applicants accepted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 610/720; math: 650/780; and writing: 620/730[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]94% average freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]75% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Thomas Edison, inventor; Stan Allen, Dean, Princeton University’s School of Architecture; and Daniel Libeskind, architect selected to oversee the rebuilding of the World Trade Center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Cooper Union admits undergraduates only on merit and all undergraduates receive full-scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cooper Union is #2 in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”claremont-mckenna”]19. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cmc.edu/admission/”]Claremont McKenna College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Claremont, California[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Claremont McKenna College (CMC), a member of the Claremont Colleges, is one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CMC focuses mainly on undergraduate education. Almost half of its students study abroad.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in1946[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Los Angeles and San Bernardino[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,347 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 630/720; math: 670/760; and writing: 640/730[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]94% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]92% graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]77% of CMC students attend graduate school within five years of graduation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Thomas Pritzker, Chairman and CEO, Global Hyatt Corporation; Jonathan Rosenberg, Sr., Vice President for Product Management, Google; and Steven Grove, political commentator, [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]YouTube News[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The college weighs the following factors: Academic performance and promise; achievements and goals; personal characteristics; participation in activities and organizations; and interests, talents, and leadership potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Claremont McKenna alum Robert A. Day is featured in our list of The 50 Most Generous Alumni Donors to American Colleges & Universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”carelton”]20. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.carleton.edu/admissions/”]Carleton College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Northfield, Minnesota[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carleton College is an independent, non-sectarian, private liberal arts college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college has enrolled more students who are part of the National Merit Scholarship Program than any other liberal arts college in the United States.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carleton reports that the most important thing its students learn is how to learn for a lifetime. Every course is taught by a professor, not a teaching assistant.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community service is another integral part of the Carleton College experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1866[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Just south of the Twin Cities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,991 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]31% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 660/750; and math: 660/760[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]97% freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]89% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include T.J. Stiles, winner of a Pulitzer Prize for biography and a National Book Award for nonfiction; John F. Harris, editor-in-chief, [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Politico;[/hen-ui-text] and Garrick Utley, journalist and former host of [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Meet the Press[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The admissions committee is typically attracted to applicants who take advantage of the opportunity to do honors or advanced placement work. Normally students are expected to take two or more years of a foreign or classical language, unless it’s not provided at their school. Carleton College recognizes achievements in the arts and encourages applicants to submit tapes, slides, or other evidence of their work with their application.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carleton College ranks as the second best college in Minnesota in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link] and #49 in 50 Private Colleges with the Best Return on Investment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school’s Primal Scream and Silent Dance Party are featured in our list of 50 Crazy College Campus Traditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”grinnell”]21. [hen-ui-link href=”http://ww3.grinnell.edu/admission/apply/”]Grinnell College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grinnell, Iowa[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grinnell College was initially founded in 1846 as Iowa College. The college was founded by a group of congregational ministers in Davenport, Iowa prior to the state joining the union. The college shortly moved from Davenport to Grinnell and adopted the name in 1909.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grinnell utilizes an open curriculum in which students select courses with the direction of a major department advisor. This freedom allows students to take ownership of their education and fosters academic engagement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1846[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 1,699 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]20% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1360–1540[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Norman F. Bates: recipient of Medal of Honor in the Civil War[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bruce Friedrich: executive director of The Good Food Institute (GFI) and founding partner of New Crop Capital (NCC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]John Garang de Mabior: former vice-president of Sudan and past commander-in-chief of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Louise Rosenfield Noun: activist for women’s rights and president, Iowa Civil Liberties Union[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]:Grinnell doesn’t have minimum GPA or test score requirements, and reviews every component of your application with care because potential success at Grinnell shouldn’t be distilled to just one number.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grinnell College ranks as the second best college in Iowa in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”new-college”]22. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncf.edu/admissions/”]New College of Florida[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sarasota, Florida[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New College of Florida was initially founded as a private college in 1960. In 2015 it became an honors college as part of the State University System of Florida.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college was founded as a bastion of liberal arts thinking in the South. Students are encouraged to take responsiblity for their education and embody free-thinking.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students begin each semester by completing a contract with an advisor, which lays out the courses for the semester and expectations. The New College of Floida does not employ letter grades or a grade point average. Professors provide narrative evaluations of students. Students must complete seven contracts for graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1960[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Sarasota, Florida[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 861 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]71% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1250–1440[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]10:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Susan Burns: founding editor of business magazine BIZ(941), and a founding board member of the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Jose Diaz-Balart: emmy Award-winning journalist, Telemundo and MSNBC national news anchor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]William C. Dudley: president, New York Federal Reserve Bank[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]:New College of Florida practices selective admission, seeking those students who are able and eager to take responsibility for their own education, and who will benefit from the College’s demanding academic program and flexible curriculum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”davidson”]23. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.davidson.edu/admission/”]Davidson College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Davidson, North Carolina[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Davidson College, consistently regarded as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, provides a vigorous undergraduate education. The college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Honor Code is central to student life at Davidson College. The college also has a commitment to community service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1837[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: North of Charlotte[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,796 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]20% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 630/730; math: 640/718; and writing: 630/730[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]97% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]89% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]80% of students travel, work, or study abroad[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants and student employment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include James Batten, CEO, Knight-Ridder; John Chidsey, CEO, Burger King; and Kenneth B. Bell, justice, Florida Supreme Court[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Davidson College seeks evidence of academic success and well-developed interests and/or talents in the arts, leadership, athletics, and service. In descending order, Davidson College emphasizes the following factors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rigor: The difficulty of high school courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Success: Grades in an applicant’s particular course of study[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Writing ability and personal impact: An evaluation of essays and recommendations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Involvement, leadership, and service: The breadth and depth of extra-curricular pursuits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Testing: Scores on the SAT and/or ACT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Davidson College ranks as the second best college in North Carolina in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”art-institute-chicago”]24. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.saic.edu/admissions/ug/”]School of the Art Institute of Chicago[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chicago, Illinois[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars, fosters a conceptual and technical education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAIC has been recognized by Columbia University’s National Arts Journalism survey as “the most influential art college in the United States.” The school provides an education in the liberal arts and in the arts and design. SAIC offers seven bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school’s resources include the Art Institute of Chicago.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1866[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: South Loop[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]3,569 students (2,848 undergraduates)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]75.2% average freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]59% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 510/630; and math: 510/620[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]10-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instructors grade on a credit/no credit system[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renowned faculty include many of the leading practitioners in their fields[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Georgia O’Keeffe, painter; Orson Welles, filmmaker; Edward Gorey, illustrator; Walt Disney, animator; Bill Mauldin, cartoonist; John Chamberlain, sculptor; and Ed Paschke, painter[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants at the freshman level are required to submit their official high school transcript, one letter of reference, a portfolio, and a statement of purpose. The school strongly recommends an interview.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”reed”]25. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.reed.edu/apply/”]Reed College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Portland, Oregon[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reed College, a liberal arts and sciences college, reports that a higher percentage of its graduates earn Ph.D.s across fields than do graduates of all but three other United States colleges and universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reed ranks #2 among liberal arts colleges in producing Rhodes scholars. Students regularly win Fulbright, National Science Foundation, Watson, and other fellowships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college requires all first-year students to take humanities courses. It emphasizes a conference-style classroom, where the instructor acts as a mediator for discussion instead of as a lecturer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reed College has a research reactor — the college is the nation’s only school which has a nuclear reactor run entirely by undergraduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1908[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,427 students (1410 undergraduates)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]31% admission rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading, 670/750; writing, 650/740; and math, 630/720[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professors assign a letter grade to coursework; however, students are only informed of their grade if it’s below a C[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students are evaluated on a pass or no-pass scale[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate students can enroll in a five-year, dual degree program, which includes a liberal arts degree from Reed College and a specialized degree at a cooperating institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Emilio Pucci, Florentine fashion designer and politician; Gary Snyder, essayist, lecturer, environmental activist, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; and Howard Vollum, engineer, scientist, philanthropist, and co-founder of Tektronix Corporation; Apple founder Steven Jobs attended Reed College without graduating[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Academic accomplishments have the greatest weight in the selection process. Reed College reports a strong secondary school preparation, including honors and advanced courses, improves students’ chances for admission. The college reports that it looks for applicants excited about ideas, passionate about learning, and oriented towards independent thought, as well as eager to be part of an intellectual community that emphasizes student-faculty collaboration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reed College ranks as the second best college in Oregon in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”beloit”]26. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.beloit.edu/admission/apply/”]Beloit College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beloit, Wisconsin[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beloit college, the oldest college in Wisconsin to be continuously operated, was founded in 1846 while Wisconsin was still a territory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beloit boasts more anthropology Ph.D.s than any other undergraduate institution. This is a direct result of their focus on experiential learning and field work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The philosophy department has hosted such high-caliber visiting professors as Martha Nussbaum and Daniel Dennett.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1846[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Chicago and Milwalkee[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 1,394 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]70% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1150–1400[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]11:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Roy Chapman Andrews: naturalist, explorer, and director of the American Museum of Natural History[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]James Arness: actor, star of films and long-running TV series Gunsmoke[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fred Ascani: U.S. Air Force Major General[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]:Students receive funding from many sources: merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, loans, work study, and scholarships from outside organizations to help meet costs. Together, these help to make Beloit an affordable education. Beloit students receive, on average, $26,226 in gift aid alone[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beloit College ranks as the second best college in Wisconsin in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link] and #16 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-economics/”]The Top 50 Places to Study Classical Economics[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”smith”]27. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.smith.edu/admission/”]Smith College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Northampton, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Smith College, which is among the largest of the historically all-women’s colleges in the United States, focuses on educating women at the undergraduate level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Talented young women from all over the world enroll at Smith College to be part of its intellectual life and participate in its vibrant academic environment. The college reports that students are free to pursue their intellectual passions and receive support on their own terms. The learning experience includes mentors, faculty advisors, and independent study opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every year, almost half of the college’s juniors study abroad in the college’s programs in Geneva, Florence, Paris, Hamburg, and many other cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Smith College is part of a five-college cooperation along with Mount Holyoke, Amherst, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Smith College is also one of the “Seven Sisters.”[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1871[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Near Amherst[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2,500 undergraduates on the main campus, and 250 studying in other locations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]37% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Verbal: 600/710; math: 570/680; and writing: 590/700[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]78% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]25% of graduates go directly to graduate school[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Julia Child, cookbook author; Sylvia Plath, poet; and Gloria Steinem, author and founder of [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Ms[/hen-ui-text]. magazine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Smith College strongly recommends that applicants prepare for the college by taking the strongest courses provided by their high school. Admission staff members look for evidence of success in a rigorous curriculum. The school reports that it takes a holistic and individual approach to each application. Besides meeting the normal requirements, the college expects each applicant to pursue in greater depth academic interests important to the applicant. A personal interview is highly recommended.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”getysburg”]28. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.gettysburg.edu/admissions/”]Gettysburg College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gettysburg, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gettysburg College, a national college of liberal arts and sciences, has earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society due to its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students prepare for leadership via experimental learning opportunities, a career network, co-curricular service, and off-campus study activities. Almost half of the students have spent a semester abroad.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduates get an idea about career life via the college’s program, named “Bright Lights! Big City!,” consisting of a three-day trip to Washington, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia to attend company presentations, meet prominent alumni ,and work together on case studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1832[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: South-central Pennsylvania, site of decisive Civil War battle[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2,394 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]43% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]71% of students in the top tenth percent of their high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 610/690; and math: 610/690[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 90% first-year retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Higher than 80% graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include, Ron Paul, U.S. Representative from Texas and Republican presidential candidate; J. Michael Bishop, Nobel Laureate in Medicine for cancer research; and Jerry Spinelli, children’s book author[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The college expects applicants to participate in a solid college-preparatory program with accelerated, enriched, and advanced placement courses. Significant factors include grades in academic courses, quality and distribution of subjects, and class rank.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”berea”]29. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.berea.edu/admissions/”]Berea College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Berea, Kentucky[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Berea College charges no tuition and only admits academically promising students with limited resources, primarily from Appalachia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Seventy percent of the students are from Kentucky or the wider Appalachian region; however, students come from all 50 states and over 60 foreign countries. Every student works at least 10 hours per week in campus and services jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Berea College provides rigorous Bachelor of Arts of Science degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college also provides student/faculty undergraduate research opportunities in numerous fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1855[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: South of Lexington[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,665 undergraduates[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 495/640; math: 483/588; and writing: 513/610[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]33% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]79% first-year retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]43% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]57% of freshman ranked in the top fifth of their high school graduating classes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Approximately 200 Berea College students study, intern, or teach abroad every year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include G. Samuel Hurst, physicist and inventor of touch screen technology; George Lester, developer of the catalytic converter; and Juanita M. Kreps, U.S. Secretary of Commerce[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Berea College seeks applicants with strong academic potential and financial need. The college also considers factors such as leadership qualities, community service, and levels of motivation. The personal statement is optional for every applicant; however, the school strongly encourages applicants who have experienced obstacles or adversity to submit a personal statement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Berea College ranks as the second best college in Kentucky in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link] and is featured in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/four-year-college-in-each-state/”]The Most Affordable Four-Year College in Each State[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”coast-guard-academy”]30. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.uscga.edu/admissions/”]United States Coast Guard Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New London, Connecticut[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), the military academy of the United States Coast Guard, has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any college in the nation, private or public.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The academy, which provides a Bachelor of Science degree program, offers a holistic education, including academics, physical fitness, character, and leadership. Every cadet completes core studies in liberal arts and sciences. Each student also receives a full-scholarship.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy have an obligation to serve five years in U.S. Coast Guard.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]USCGA provides academics through five departments: humanities, engineering, mathematics, management, and science. The academy also provides unique courses via its Strategic Intelligence and Homeland Security department.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1876.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: On Long Island Sound, east of New Haven[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,046 cadets enrolled[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]16% admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]52% of students in the top 10% of their high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 550/640; math 590/670; and writing 540/630[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No congressional nomination is required[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]About 80% of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by the Coast Guard)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Bruce E. Melnick, astronaut; Daniel C. Burbank, astronaut; and Timothy S. Sullivan, senior U.S. military advisor and Secretary of Homeland Security[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Accepted applicants typically have proven academic accomplishments, especially in math and the sciences, a record of service to the community, skills as an athlete, motivation to embrace leadership development, and an unwavering desire to serve their country and humanity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cia”]31. [hen-ui-link href=”https://calarts.edu/admissions/”]California Institute of the Arts[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Valencia, California[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California Institute of the Arts, also known as CalArts, is an internationally recognized school for the performing and visual arts, emphasizing the exploration of new paths beyond conventional boundaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school emphasizes close collegial interaction between students and instructors in class and in one-on-one mentoring. All the faculty members are working artists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CalArts has three entities: an on-campus educational and artistic program; the REDCAT theater and gallery; and the CalArts’ Community Arts Partnership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1961[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: North of Los Angeles, near Santa Clarita[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,455 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]24% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Scores are not a required part of the application process[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]77.8% average freshman retention rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]7-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Ed Harris, actor; David Hasselhoff, actor; and Don Cheadle, actor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The school accepts students primarily on the basis of their demonstrated talent, creativity, and commitment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”webb”]32. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.webb.edu/admissions/”]Webb Institute[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Glen Cove, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Webb Institute is a private engineering college. All accepted students recieve full tuition for four years and graduate with degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school has significant influence in the marine industry as a direct result of their emphasis on ship design and practical work experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Webb Institute requires students to participate in an internship each January and February. During this period students seek employment in the marine industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1889[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Glen Cove, New York[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 92 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]29% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1470–1530[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]9:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full-tuition scholarship for every accepted student[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All students graduate with a dual BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Halsey Chase Herreshoff: naval Architect[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]David M. Young, Jr.: mathematician and computer scientist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]: Students must apply directly to Webb Institute.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Webb Institute is #6 in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”babson”]33. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.babson.edu/admission/undergraduate/Pages/home.aspx/”]Babson College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wellesley, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Babson College, an independent business school, offers top-flight undergraduate business education combining integrated and applied business and liberal arts programs with curricular and non-curricular learning experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All students study business and work to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. The program emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Every student receives extensive hands-on training. First-year students take a year-long course in which they develop student teams and launch and liquidate a for-profit business they design.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1919[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: West of Boston[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]3,165 students (2,283 undergraduates)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]25% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]94% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]87% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 580/680; math: 640/740; and writing: 610/700[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Daniel Gerber, founder, Gerber baby foods; Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons; and Craig Benson, businessperson and governor of New Hampshire[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The college uses an extensive and holistic evaluation of applicants. The college reports that its greatest focus is on students’ four-year performance at the secondary level. Factors carefully considered include academic performance, rigor of coursework, academic motivation, performance on standardized tests, writing ability, involvement in activities and/or work experience and leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”merchant-marine-academy”]34. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/”]United States Merchant Marine Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kings Point, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the five undergraduate service academies in the nation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]USMMA reports that its graduates have careers in the maritime industry and the armed services, and that many of its graduates become leaders in business and government. Many graduates continue their studies in graduate or professional schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every student at the academy trains in subject areas related to shipping and transportation. The United States Merchant Marine Academy offers academic programs through the following departments: Humanities, Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Mathematics and Science, Naval Science, and Physical Education and Athletics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The academy’s Sea Year program places students on a U.S. flag — bearing merchant ship for portions of their sophomore and junior years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1942[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: On Long Island Sound, near New York City[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]927 students (904 undergraduates)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Minimal requirements: critical reading: 510; and math: 560 (writing is used for placement)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]20% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]83% first-year student retention[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]68% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition and room and board covered[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Five-year service requirement upon graduation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Sean Connaughton, head of U.S. Maritime Administration; Mark H. Buzby, rear admiral, United States Navy; and Lee A. Kinkaid, president, American Maritime Congress[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Admission office representatives evaluate applicants’ high school record, class rank, SAT or ACT standardized test scores, history of extracurricular activities, recommendations from school officials, ability to pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment, and evidence of character, leadership, and potential for academic achievement. Applicants are required to obtain a letter of nomination from a member of the U.S. Congress.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”new-england-conservatory”]35. [hen-ui-link href=”http://necmusic.edu/apply/”]New England Conservatory of Music[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boston, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New England Conservatory of Music, recognized nationally and internationally as a leading music school, provides rigorous training to music students from all over the world. The school’s faculty includes internationally esteemed musicians, performing artists, and scholars.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The conservatory serves as a training ground for orchestral players for the Boston Symphony Orchestra; however, its graduates have filled orchestra chairs, concert hall stages, recording studios, and jazz clubs, as well as arts management positions worldwide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The New England Conservatory of Music offers degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The courses focus in the areas of performance and composition. The programs emphasize one-on-one studio instruction.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1867[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Near Northeastern University[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]819 students (413 undergraduate)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]35% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Scores are not required[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 50% of freshman in the top 10% of their high school class[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Stanley M. Hoffman, composer and arranger; Yan Tong, violinist; and Michael Gandolfi, composer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants are considered for admission based on a competitive review of their audition results, artistic preparation, overall academic history, and letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New England Conservatory of Music ranks #6 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-music-schools/”]The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”st-johns”]36. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sjc.edu/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions”]St. John’s College, Annapolis[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Annapolis, Maryland[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]St. John’s College, a co-educational, four-year liberal arts college, is known for its distinctive “great books” curriculum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college bases all required course of study on the reading, study, and discussion of the most important books of the Western tradition. St. John’s College has no majors and no departments; every student follows the same program. The school provides a Bachelor of Arts degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students study from the classics in literature, theology, philosophy, political science, psychology, history, economics, laboratory sciences, mathematics, and music. The courses don’t use textbooks. Students read the books roughly in chronological order beginning with ancient Greece and continuing to modern times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the college does not train students for specific careers, students gain valuable and marketable skills. Before they graduate, many students participate in internships from medical research to teaching to the arts. Many of its graduates go to law school, medical school, or graduate school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Received a charter in 1784[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]484 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]53% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 640/730; and math: 570/680[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]83% first-year retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]64% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]7-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Francis Scott Key, author of the lyrics to [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]The Star-Spangled Banner;[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]New York Post[/hen-ui-text] columnist Robert A. George; television screenwriter and producer Lee David Zlotoff; novelist Salvatore Scibona; and political philosopher Tom G. Palmer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The school expects applicants to have pursued a college-preparatory course of study, including substantial sequences in foreign languages, mathematics, and the physical sciences. SAT and ACT scores are optional, but they provide helpful information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]St. John’s College ranks as the second best college in Maryland in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hampden-sydney”]37. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.hsc.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/”]Hampden-Sydney College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hampden Sydney, Virginia[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hampden-Sydney College, a private, liberal arts college for men, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Due to its strengths in liberal arts and sciences, the college earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Its general education objectives include civic, moral, and academic components.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The students subscribe to the following two statements of honorable behavior: “The Hampden-Sydney student will behave as a gentleman at all times and in all places“ and “The Hampden-Sydney student will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.”[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1775[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Between Richmond and Roanoke[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1,027 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 490/600; math: 510/610; and writing: 470/580[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]56% of applicants are accepted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]78% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]61% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]10-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Stephen Colbert, television comedian; William Henry Harrison, 9th president of the U.S.; Francis Schaeffer, theologian; and John L. Kirkpatrick, president, Davidson College[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The admissions office seeks applicants who have demonstrated aptitude in the classroom through a series of rigorous courses. The admission office is also interested in applicants who excelled outside their studies. Applicants should have mastered a college-preparatory program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have an interview and in some cases may be required to have a personal interview.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”morehouse”]38. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.morehouse.edu/admissions/”]Morehouse College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Atlanta, Georgia[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Morehouse College, a private, liberal arts college for African-American men, is often thought of as the preeminent, historically black college in the country.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college reports that it is committed to training the leaders who will change their communities, the nation, and the world. It also reports its mission is to develop men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Through the Corporate Connection program, corporate sponsors partner with the college to help produce outstanding business and civic leaders. The program includes:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Corporate & Foundation Relations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leadership Lecture Series[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Division of Business Administration and Economics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Executive Mentorship Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student Internship Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advisory Councils, Case Competition Series[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sales & Marketing Institute[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Morehouse College provides Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Academic divisions include Business Administration & Economics; Humanities & Social Sciences; and Science & Mathematics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college emphasizes leadership and volunteerism. Almost three-quarters of students volunteer within the community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1867[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2,108 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]66% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 460/590; math: 470/580; and writing:450/570[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]85% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]43% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Walter Massey, physicist and director of the National Science Foundation; Louis W. Sullivan, secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; and Herman Cain, presidential candidate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Academic competence is a major consideration in selecting students. An applicant’s personal qualities, which may add to the diversity of the student body, are also important.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Morehouse College ranks as the second best college in Georgia in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/by-state/best-colleges-universities-by-state/#CA”]The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”olin”]39. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.olin.edu/admission/”]Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Needham, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, an independent, nonprofit, undergraduate engineering college, strives to prepare students to become engineering innovators who recognize needs, design solutions, and engage in creative enterprises for the good of the world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school reports that it seeks to redefine engineering as a profession of innovation encompassing the consideration of societal needs, the creative design of engineering systems, and the creation of value via entrepreneurial philanthropy and effort.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of the Senior Consulting Program for Engineering Teams are hired by corporations, entrepreneurial ventures, or nonprofits for real-world engineering projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The programs have an interdisciplinary, project-based approach emphasizing liberal arts and entrepreneurship, as well as rigorous science and engineering fundamentals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Project-based teaching begins in the first year and culminates in two capstone projects in the senior year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1997[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Southwest of Boston[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]378 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]10% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]83% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 690/773; math: 718/773; and writing: 670/750[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every student receives a four-year, half-tuition scholarship[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]7-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The college seeks applicants with outstanding achievement in coursework and testing. The college gives special attention to creativity, passion, and enterprise.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”embry-riddle”]40. [hen-ui-link href=”http://erau.edu/becoming-student/”]Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Daytona Beach, Florida[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s only fully accredited, aviation-oriented university, teaches the practice, science, and business of the world of aviation and aerospace.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The university provides the nation’s largest aerospace program. Its two Air Force ROTC detachments form the nation’s largest university-based Air Force commissioning source. The university’s contract with the U.S. Department of Defense maintains the school’s long-time status as the sole provider of aviation-related degree programs to the U.S. military in Europe.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The university’s curriculum covers the engineering, operation, research, manufacturing, marketing, and management of modern aircraft and the systems which support them. The university’s research and consulting addresses the needs of the aerospace and aviation sectors and related industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two residential campuses — in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona — offer education in a traditional environment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers instruction in over 150 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as via online learning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The major airlines hire more alumni from Embry-Riddle than from any other collegiate aviation program. The university is the country’s largest supplier of air traffic controllers with bachelor degrees to the FAA.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1925[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Combined enrollment for all the campuses is over 33,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]71% of applicants admitted[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Critical reading: 470/590; and math: 510/630[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]72% first-year student retention (full-time students)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]30% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]15-to-1 student/faculty ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Daniel Burbank, B. Alvin Drew, and Susan Kilrain, astronauts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: High school students must have four years of English, three or four years of math, and two or more years of lab science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Embry-Riddle ranks #2 in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]25 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”kings-college”]41. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tkc.edu/admissions/”]The King’s College, NYC[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York, New York[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The King’s College, a Christian liberal arts college, seeks students who want to make a difference in the world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college reports that it prepares students for principled leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The King’s College teaches a worldview rooted in the Bible and informed by close study of great works of political theory, philosophy, and economics. The college provides an education which incorporates classroom instruction, extra-curricular commitments, and service to the larger community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college is open to all students regardless of their religious affiliations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1938[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: In the financial district[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]465 undergraduate students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]64% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Verbal: 580/670; math: 520/610; and writing: 565/650[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]68% retention rate of first time full-time students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]46% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The King’s College ranks #11 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America and #12 in [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”massachusetts-maritime”]42. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.maritime.edu/”]Massachusetts Maritime Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers Bachelor of Science degrees, Merchant Marine Officer’s Licenses, and Naval Officer’s Commissions, as well as programs in maritime-related fields, including marine transportation, marine engineering, facilities engineering, energy systems engineering, international maritime business, and other subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although not required, some of graduates serve in active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1891[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Cape Cod[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]80% acceptance rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT: Verbal: 410/550; and math: 480/580[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]46% four-year graduation rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include Lee Van Germert, author of [hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officer;[/hen-ui-text] and Emery Rice and Timothy M. Cooper, U.S. naval commanders[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admission[/hen-ui-text]: The academy bases admission on an evaluation of applicants’ academic record, testing information, including SAT or ACT, extracurricular and community activities, letters of recommendation, and leadership potential. An interview is highly recommended.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”alice-lloyd”]43. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.alc.edu/admissions/”]Alice Lloyd College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pippa Passes, Kentucky[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alice Lloyd College was founded as Caney Junior College in 1923. The college began offering four-year degrees in the 1980s.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alice Lloyd College places an emphasis on educating Appalachain leaders close to home. Three quarters of the college’s graduates are the first member of their family to obtain a degree. A staggering 95% of graduates are accepted to graduate or professional programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school offers 18 academic majors and eight pre-professional programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1923[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Rural Eastern Kentucy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 605 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]22% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students:
  • SAT Math: 460–480[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT Critical Reading: 430–520[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT Writing: 410–550[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
  • 17:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
  • Notable alumni include: [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dr. Grady Stumbo:former head of Kentucky Democratic Party.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carl D. Perkins: member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 through 1984.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]: Alice Lloyd awards tuition guarantees for residents of 108 Central Appalachian counties, regardless of income, who are eligible for admission. The College provides high quality educational opportunities primarily for students with outstanding leadership potential for effective service to the surrounding mountain region regardless of the student’s ability to pay.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Related Articles[/hen-ui-text]:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alice Lloyd College ranks #8 in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/tuition-free-colleges/”]The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”virginia-military”]44. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.vmi.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply/”]Virginia Military Institute[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lexington City, Virginia[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a state-supported military college founded in 1839. All cadets enrolled in VMI must be part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike other military academies, VMI graduates may pursue employment as a civilian or in any branch of the military as either active duty or reserve.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Established in 1839[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Lexington, Virginia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student body consists of 1,713 students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]51% Acceptance Rate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1120–1300[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]11:1 Student to Teacher Ratio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Notable alumni include:
  • Thomas Marshall Boyd: Assistant Attorney General under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Benjamin Franklin Ficklin: founder of the Pony Express[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]George Patton: his father and grandfather were both VMI graduates. Left VMI in 1904, to attend and graduate from West Point.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
    • [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]Admissions[/hen-ui-text]: Applicants are normally not less than 16 or more than 22 years of age at matriculation and may not be married or a parent. A one-year age waiver may be granted for an applicant who has served on active duty in the armed forces or for other extenuating circumstances.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]