Cool schools: the author of the best 345 colleges picks his top 20 underrated gems – The Princeton Review – Selecting A School
Robert Franek
Some colleges get a lot of press while other quality schools fly under the radar. Robert Franek of The Princeton Review has selected 20 great schools that don’t always grab the headlines but are definitely worth checking out. Whether it’s a stellar academic reputation, an unusual internship program, or a vibrant student body, these colleges have something exciting to offer. Note that all costs include tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Room and board (R&B) is listed separately. Size refers to number of undergraduates.
1. Albertson College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID
WWW.ALBERTSON.EDU. COST: $14,700 R&B: $5,000 SIZE: 824
Although Albertson is known as a “liberal arts” college, one of the most popular majors here is business administration. The school boasts small classes (average size is 15) and lots of personal attention from the faculty. Biology students often combine classroom work with field trips to the Owyhee and Sawtooth Mountains. A good percentage go on to medical school. Look to the alumni for proof of Albertson’s academic reputation: The school has produced six Rhodes scholars, two governors, Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winners, the co-discoverer of vitamin B-12, and the man who perfected a method to freeze french fries.
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2. Assumption College, Worcester, MA
WWW.ASSUMPTION.EDU COST: $21,765 R&B: $8,210 SIZE: 2,050
Assumption College has all the features of a small college: one on one interaction with professors, manageable class sizes, and fellow students who are names not numbers. And Worcester, Massachusetts, the oft-overlooked neighbor to its famous rival, Boston, is a smokin’ town for college students–cheap and user-friendly! Assumption students cash in on their beautiful campus and close-knit student population, while just outside the gates lay nine other colleges. Can you say “undergrad HEAVEN?” Majors of note are business, psychology, and a unique program in social and rehabilitation services.
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3. Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
WWW.BUTLER.EDU COST: $22,040 R&B: $7,040 SIZE: 3,667
Looking for a small school with big-city connections? Look no further! Butler University has the right combination of talented professors and small classes to make even the shyest student comfy. Professors deserve special mention for their professional network–they are hooked up to the pulse of Indianapolis, and students benefit from great internships. Popular majors are business/marketing, health sciences, and education.
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4. Chapman University, Orange, CA
WWW.CHAPMAN.EDU COST: $25,590 R&B $8,200 SIZE: 3,263
All the undergrads at Chapman brag that theirs is one of the most socially responsible communities in the country. The school’s ideal sunny, warm location is another big source of pride. Chapman is committed to hiring talented faculty and continually growing the college curriculum. One of the most recent additions is the School of Film and Television, and visual/performing arts is the most popular major. Other top majors are business and communications.
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5. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
WWW.WELCOME.COLOSTATE.EDU IN-STATE COST: $2,655 OUT-OF-STATE: $11,925 SIZE: 21,677
While special bragging rights go to the departments of engineering, biology, physical sciences, and veterinary medicine, all CSU students report a stellar overall experience in a large university setting. Though most CSU undergrads hail from Colorado, the university actively seeks students from across the country to diversify its campus. The social scene is jumping with a place for urban hipsters, nature lovers, and everyone in between.
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6. DePaul University, Chicago, IL
WWW.DEPAUL.EDU COST: $18,750 R&B: $7,300 SIZE: 13,020
DePaul offers a campus to suit any taste: there’s one urban and one suburban. Students here report unparalleled programs in business, computer science, and pre-professional studies, but are also quick to point out how DePaul’s learn-by-doing mantra infuses the educational experience. Undergrads are expected to take advantage of the many opportunities Chicago has to offer through community service, work-study, or internships.
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7. Drew University, Madison, NJ
WWW.DRE.EDU COST: $31,031 R&B: $7,644 SIZE: 1,558
Forget everything bad you ever heard about New Jersey and prepare to be dazzled! Located 25 miles outside of New York City, Drew offers its small student population big city access while maintaining a small town feel at home. Home is a huge (at least by Jersey standards) campus in the woods. Notable programs include poly-sci, theater, economics, foreign languages, and killer off-campus semesters. Drew-ids are a close knit, liberally minded group who dig working and playing hard!
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8. Flagler, St. Augustine, FL
WWW.FLAGLER.EDU COST: $8,110 R&B: $4,450 SIZE: 1,921
While Ponce de Leon never found the fountain of youth in Flagler’s hometown of St. Augustine, students report near perpetual youth in an academic environment bursting with life. Where else can you find profs who come to class in floral shirts and shorts? And students get personal attention with average class sizes of 21. Within its traditional liberal arts core are many unique majors, including Latin American studies, Spanish, and sports management, as well as a highly touted deaf education program.
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9. Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI
WWW.HPU.EDU COST: $10,368 R&B: $3,805 SIZE: 6,899
Some say “Aloha Spirit” is an attitude; others call it a way of life, but all agree that it is embodied by the friendliness that pervades HPU. This liberal arts school counts diversity as a key element of its undergrad experience. More than half of the students come from abroad, and more than half study business/marketing. A reasonable sticker price and paradise outside every door are just icing on the cake. As one student said: “… on weekends, there’s always Waikiki”–nice, dude.
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10. Hood College, Frederick, MD
WWW.HOOD.EDU COST: $22,175 R&B $7,420 SIZE: 820
Located outside the Baltimore- Washington D.C. corridor, Hood is a college in transition. The school, which had an all-female resident population, recently began to offer on-campus housing to males. What hasn’t changed is a racially diverse student body that feels secure, energized, and ready to work. The school honor code is a way of life. No profs are present during student exams EVER! Social sciences, history, education, and legal studies are among the top majors.
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11. New College of the University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL
WWW.NEWCOLLEGE.USF.EDU IN-STATE COST: $4,046 OUT OF STATE: $16,484 R&B: $5,660 SIZE: 650
One of the best deals in higher education can be found on the Gulf of Mexico. Once a private school, but now the honors institution in the Florida state university system, this college stresses academic freedom with rigorous standards–all at state school prices. College life is very similar to a graduate-student experience. Students receive written evaluations instead of grades, and they pursue independent research and often publish in scholarly journals.
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12. Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
WWW.ODU.EDU IN-STATE COST: $5,278 OUT OF STATE: $14,428 R&B: $5,636 SIZE: 13,578
As a large commuter school, Old Dominion draws heavily from the local community: students straight from high school learn side-by-side with working professionals and enlisted folks from Norfolk’s military base. Students sure aren’t complaining–they laud their classroom experience, citing both the accommodating faculty and the diverse student population. The top major is health sciences, and all students are guaranteed work or internship experience for credit.
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13. Prescott College, Prescott, AZ
WW.PRESCOTT.EDU COST: $21,050 R&B: $6,200 SIZE: 500
Independence and liberal thought are the hallmark of Prescott. The school’s curriculum focuses on environmental studies, and both students and faculty view the college’s natural setting as the best possible classroom. Students are given the option to not receive grades for coursework. Faculty focuses on the relationships of students to the world around them. White Prescott might appear a bit crunchy, students say more layers are here than meet the eye, citing their commitment to openness and respect for differences.
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14. Richmond University, The American International University, London, GB
WWW.RICHMOND.AC.UK COST: $16,650 R&B: $8,800 SIZE: 911
With a mission to educate leaders for the world stage, Richmond ensures their grads will hit the ground running. As an international university, students here are educated in both the U.S. and the U.K. traditions. Richmond’s credentials read like a love letter to a student seeking that European flair–faculty from all over the world, London internships, international field projects, campuses in Florence and Rome–the list goes on!
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15. St. John’s University, Queens, NY
NEW.STJOHNS.EDU COST: $17,850 R&B: $9,700 SIZE: 14,708
Bright lights, big city … great school! If you’re considering colleges in New York City, St. John’s should make your short list. The university boasts an ultra-diverse student body, dedicated faculty, brand new computer facilities, comfy dorms, and generous financial aid. Freshmen say the school runs like a Swiss watch and they never get lost in the crowd. Location is an obvious benefit, too, with NYC internship and job prospects galore.
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16. Seattle University, Seattle, WA
WWW.SEATTLEU.EDU COST: $18,855 R&B: $6,700 SIZE: 3,561
Seattle University is a small Jesuit school located in the middle of Seattle. If urban diversity makes you feet all tingly, than you should know abut SU. Students brag about SU’s excellent faculty, administrators, and a wonderfully diverse student population. Whether you’re religious, a favor, cross-country runner, of all of the above, there’s a place for you at SU. It’s unique University Design Center allows engineering students to work with major local firms.
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17. Shippensburg University of PA, Shippensburg, PA
WWW.SHIP.EDU IN-STATE COST: $5,740 OUT-OF-STATE: $12,688 R&B: $5,086 SIZE: 6,500
With around 6,000 undergrads Shippensburg offers that “Goldilocks” niche. You know–not too big, not too small, but “just right.” Students report top-notch faculty and small classes. Make no mistake, though, at Shippensburg you’ll work hard, and party hard, which is just how the undergrads here like it! While the rural surroundings make for a beautiful backdrop, it’s up to you to make your own fun on campus. Top majors include business, education, and protective services/public administration.
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18. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
WWW.TTU.EDU IN-STATE COST: $3,952 OUT OF STATE: $9,616 R&B: $6,236 SIZE: 22,768
Grade-A programs in engineering, physics, agriculture, and architecture are just a few of the specialties at this Texas-sized school located in the city of Lubbock. While most students hail from the Lone Star State, all have a clear sense of pride about their future alma mater, and they’re not afraid to show it! TexasTech profs consistently get high marks from their student minions, and so too does the college’s passionate alumni network. Greeks dominate the social scene, so make sure you pack your toga!
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19. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
WWW.WELCOME.UBC.EDU COST: $17,612 R&B: $7,188 SIZE: 32,376
The third largest university in the third largest city in Canada might sound middle-of-the-road, but UBC is far from mediocre. This northern gem in a picturesque setting racks up major points for its top-notch academics. Besides its large international population, UBC offers a great value for the U.S. dollar, and the co-op program provides opportunities for everyone. First year students, take note of the Arts One and Science One programs … both are the liberal arts at their best!
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20. University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
WWW.LOUISIANA.EDU/ COST: $10,153 (INCLUDES R&B) SIZE: 16,000
The University of Louisiana–Lafayette is the second largest university in the state system, with a solid liberal arts curriculum and very competitive programs in computer science, education, nursing, and engineering. Students appreciate small classes and the highly regarded honors program. The undergrad population is mainly locals who are proud of their boisterous social scene–rage on, you Ragin’ Cajuns! Out-of-staters with a 2.5 GPA usually pay the same as residents.
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BERKELEY COLLEGE (Page 39)
www.berkeleycollege.edu
(800) 446-5400. Ext. GSC
Planning a career in business? Check out the programs offered by Berkeley College’s five campuses in the New York/New Jersey area, Berkeley’s financial aid advisers meet with students to develop personal plans for meeting college costs.
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NEXTSTUDENT (Page 5)
www.nextstudent.com
(800) 799-7170
Learn more about Stafford and PLUS loans, as well as NextStudsent private loans. NextStudent also offers a free financial aid consultation. Check out their scholarship search engine and financial aid calculators.
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CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, MONTEREY BAY (Page 15)
www.csumb.edu/info
(831) 582-3738
Take a tour of the campus and find answers to frequently asked questions at this comprehensive Web site. Learn about special programs such as “Study at Sea,” and get a sense of what the local community is like.
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PERFORMANCE LEARNING SYSTEMS (Page 6)
www.plsweb.com
(800) 506-9996
The “KaleidescopeProfile” helps to identify individual learning styles. Online courses for educators are detailed on this site. It’s fun and informative.
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CLEVELAND CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE (Page 15)
www.clevelandchiropractic.edu
(800) 466-2252 in LA; (800) 467-2252 in Kansas City
With campuses in Los Angeles and Kansas City, Cleveland Chiropractic College offers the Doctor of Chiropractic, Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, and Associate of Arts in Biological Sciences degrees.
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QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY (Page 21)
www.quinnipiac.edu
(800) 462-1944
Learn more about the stellar academic programs and opportunities available at this coed, nonsectarian, private institution located halfway between New York City and Boston in Hamden, Connecticut.
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EDUCAID/WACHOVIA (COV 4)
www.educaid.com
(877) 318-2371
A comprehensive site for all student loan information. Educaid offers a monthly $5,000 scholarship sweepstakes. This site lets you apply for a student loan on line and answers many financing questions.
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ST.JOHN’S UNIVERSITY (Page 7)
www.stjohns.edu
(866) 213-0984
Get “Fast Facts” about St. John’s and then click on “Freshman” to see everything you need to know about applying to this leading Catholic university. Check out the admission requirements, course offerings, special programs, and deadlines.
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EDUCATIONAL FUNDING SERVICES. INC. (Page 19)
www.efsi.net
(800) 523-7446
EFSI offers easy access to free money for college and low cost loans. Starting the financial aid process will be a cinch if you follow the site’s useful calendar that notes important deadlines.
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SYLVAN LEARNING (COV 2)
www.sylvanprep.com
(800) 789-3754
Sylvan Prep programs help students maximize their SAT and ACT scores. The Web site offers test tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and an overview of how Sylvan prep courses work and get results.
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EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY (Page 9)
www.embryriddle.edu
(800) 888-3728
Explore the premier aviation and aerospace-oriented university with two great campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. Programs prepare you for the most exciting jobs of the 21st century.
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U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD (Page 2)
www.goang.com
(800) TO-GO-ANG, Ext. 100
“Fuel Your Future” by getting money for college, full-time benefits, and more through part-time service with the Air National Guard. Take a virtual tour and get a taste of basic training on the Web site.
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FLORIDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY (Page 26)
www.fmu.edu
(888) 844-3583, Dept. 720
Florida Metropolitan University currently offers degree programs in Accounting, Business, Commercial Art, Computers, Criminal Justice, Film & Video, Health Care and Legal Studies.
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U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (COV 3)
www.1800GOGUARD.com
(800) GO-GUARD
Find out about money for college (the Guard pays for up to 75% of tuition costs), competitive pay, leadership opportunities, and job training for careers in communications, medicine, administration, and more.
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IONA COLLEGE (Page 19)
www.iona.edu
(800) 231-IONA
Get a glimpse of campus life by taking a virtual tour of this Catholic college with 2,800 undergraduate students. Perspective students can apply online, explore majors, and plan a campus visit.
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U.S. ARMY ROTC (Page 29)
www.armyrotc.com
(800) USA-ROTC
ROTC is offered at over 800 college, Army ROTC teaches leadership, and provides up to $68,000 in scholarships. Check out the “Army 101” section and the soldier profiles.
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NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (Pages 31, 33, 35)
www.electrifyingcareers.com
Click on “Electric Careers” to find out how you can learn more about lucrative careers in the electrical contracting field. The site also offers information on apprenticeship requirements.
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U.S. NAVY (Page 13)
www.navy.com
(800) USA-NAVY
Use the site’s “Life Accelerator” feature to discover how the Navy can help you train for a career, experience the world, continue your education, and secure your future.
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