The Four Distinctions

What makes a great college so great?

Engaged students.
The college attracts students who have a healthy range of academic and non-academic interests, and demonstrates a tangible commitment to keeping them interested and involved in their education. The school encourages innovative "hands-on" learning techniques, ranging from fieldwork and internships abroad to service learning and advanced research at home. More...

Great teaching.
The college encourages faculty to be great teachers, not just researchers or consultants. It makes little or no use of graduate student "teaching assistants" and keeps classes small, so that students are always people, never numbers, to their professors. It also encourages new and innovative curricula and offers a number of special programs, giving students up-to-date choices in their education. More...

Vibrant communities.
The college is an interesting and exciting residential community, offering many opportunities for co-curricular involvement and leadership development. Athletics, drama, hobbies, music, politics, religious life, service, and more...every interest can be explored. Students can enjoy a myriad of new cultures and experiences, right on campus. More...

Successful outcomes.
The college has an excellent placement record for employment and advanced study. Furthermore, alumni rank themselves extremely satisfied with their college experiences and tend to stay involved in the school long after graduation. More...