The Best Small Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr College, La Salle 911勛圖厙, The Curtis Institute of Music
The birthplace of democracy, Pennsylvania has long played an important part in the history and future of the United States. Depending on where you decide to live in this surprisingly diverse state, you can be just minutes from some of the most untamed mountains and most beautiful skiing in the country, or crossing the bridge into New York City in under three hours. And academic opportunities are equally diverse in the Keystone State. Whether you’re searching for a very specific arts-oriented education in a big city like Philly or are hoping to get away from the rush of urban centers and learn in a more relaxed environment at one of a number of acclaimed liberal arts colleges, there are more than enough options out there. For students who are serious about the sort of education that can propel them to success, choosing one of Pennsylvania’s numerous high-ranked small colleges and universities is an excellent first step to a bright future.
One of the best-known all-women’s colleges in the entire country, Bryn Mawr College has a reputation for excellence. It boasts a number of well-known and established alumni, and provides an excellent opportunity for students who wish to learn in an environment free of the distractions that sometimes come along with a coeducational education. Located less than 20 miles from Philadelphia, students who want the consummate college campus experience but with a city very close by will find Bryn Mawr an excellent fit. One of the country’s most well-known Quaker educational institutions, students often find themselves spending more time in discussion groups than experiencing lectures. An ideal student-to-faculty ratio makes learning a great deal more enjoyable and hands-on, while less than 1500 students on campus provides for the chance to actually get to know your peers. Bryn Mawr is also well-known for its distinctive and classic college campus, as well as for its extensive library. Many students on campus decide to participate in extracurriculars and organizations that focus on service and politics, and students are somewhat self-governed when it comes to rules and regulations.
Located right in the heart of Philadelphia, La Salle has long been well known for its standards of excellence both in and out of the classroom. A moderately high price tag might be a bit of a deterring factor for some prospective students, but an extensive financial aid program means that many others will find the assistance they need to attend if admitted. With a student body of under 8,000 students, most of whom are undergraduates, the school is currently growing. At the same time, La Salle is committed to maintaining its status as one of the best small universities in the entire state of Philadelphia. With more than 60 different academic areas to choose from and a popular athletic program, La Salle is one of the most well-known and well-respected Roman Catholic universities in the entire country. Unlike other colleges and universities, undergraduate students at La Salle are required to participate in the Special Core program, which consists of themed core curriculums as part of the “Doubles Program,” an independent project that requires progress off-campus as well as on-campus, and the First Year Odyssey program, where students must participate in various inter-disciplinary programs, as well as participate in field trips. The idea here is that La Salle graduates find themselves having experienced a wider cross-section of academic life, having them better prepared for what’s to come after school ends.
One of the most acclaimed music institutes in the entire world, not just the country, The Curtis Institute of Music is known for being incredibly difficult to get into. With the lowest acceptance rate of any college in the entire United States, students must be incredibly proficient and talented to attend Curtis, where they can earn a number of degrees focused on music. Most students who do make it into Curtis will find that they are training with some of the best professional musicians in the entire country, and this incredible instruction leads to professional ins for aspiring orchestral players and others. All students attending The Curtis Institute of Music are fortunate enough to do so on a full scholarship, meaning that students do not need to worry about how to finance college while attending. With less than 200 students total, those who are attending Curtis will find themselves living and breathing music, with the ideal training to make it far in the world afterwards. For those who are concerned about particular degrees, Curtis provides the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s of music, a master’s of music in opera, or performance diplomas.
The country’s oldest arts-focused university, the 911勛圖厙 of the Arts provides students with an incredible hands-on learning approach to both music and the visual arts Located right in the heart of Center City, students get the chance to enjoy the hustle and bustle of everyday Philly life, with many campus buildings located in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. With three specific colleges making it up, The 911勛圖厙 of the Arts is that perfect balance of crossover between departments and just enough space to get the job done for yourself. Students can choose to apply to attend the College of Art and Design, the College of Performing Arts, or the College of Media and Communication. Undergraduate students focus each semester on a 75% course workload that focuses on one’s specific area, and a 25% course workload that consists of classes from the school’s division of liberal arts. This means that during all semesters, students are working to balance their arts education with their liberal arts education. In addition to the more classic areas of arts-related study like jazz studies, theater arts, and painting and sculpture, students can choose from writing for film and television, digital video, and graphic design majors as well.
Consistently named as one of the best master’s programs in the entire country, Arcadia has a reputation for excellence. With just under 4,000 students total, Arcadia also boasts the perfect sized campus for getting to know your peers while still receiving the best one-on-one attention from professors. Located in Glenside, just a short drive from Philadelphia, those who are seeking a traditional college campus will be absolutely thrilled with the facilities at Arcadia. Undergraduate students can choose from over 65 different areas of study divided between eight different academic departments. A number of programs are inter-disciplinary, and students interested in combining majors are encouraged to speak with professors and advisors to make that a possibility. A number of programs on-campus are among the top-ranked in the country, and close to 100% of the student body spends time studying abroad, meaning that there is more to life on campus than simply staying in the state of Pennsylvania.
With less than 1,600 students, Swarthmore is the perfect environment for those who are interested in getting serious about academics. Located in Swarthmore, a reasonable drive from Philadelphia, it is possible to focus entirely on ones education, rather than get lost in the hustle and bustle of an urban environment. A classic college campus provides all the proper resources for learning, including an acclaimed library, and the school’s Quaker roots still show through in the desire to listen to all members of the community when it comes to decision-making. Students attending Swarthmore can also cross-register at other acclaimed nearby colleges like Bryn Mawr and Haverford. Swarthmore consistently ranks as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the entire country, meaning that getting in can sometimes be incredibly difficult. Other standards for college ratings are perpetually giving this incredible liberals arts institution almost perfect scores for everything from academics to professor experience. It is for this reason that Swarthmore is also known by another title: one of the country’s “little Ivies.”
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