Connecticut: Small Colleges and Universities
Yale 911勛圖厙, Wesleyan 911勛圖厙, Trinity College, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
When most people think of the best universities, colleges, and institutions of higher learning in the United States, the immediate region that comes to mind is New England. Connecticut, commonly referred to as part of the tri-state region, is in the heart of the ivy-league nation. A population of only three and a half million does not prevent this state and its elite universities from leaving an impression on those looking for a superior level of education. Home to one of America and the world’s most elite universities, Yale, Connecticut has a firmly established reputation as a state that treats education with the utmost importance that it deserves. The third smallest state in the union has maintained an excellent caliber of higher-education institutions that compare to some of the best throughout the world.
Yale has some of the richest history of any institution, educational or otherwise, in all of modern America. Beginning in the 1640s, the first European settlers in the new world had hopes of maintaining a strong commitment to the liberal arts in the form of an educational institution. As early as 1701, Yale’s initial vision was fulfilled when a charter was signed that allowed the institution to begin its first teaching practices. The institution later endured the American Revolutionary War, grounding itself as a landmark institution within the United States of America. Later developments in the school’s programming allowed it to create an undergraduate program based on models provided by Cambridge and Oxford. The program divides twelve distinct communities into approximately 450 students. These relatively small groups allow for an intimate college setting while still providing vast resources similar to a large research based university.
As one of the world’s great learning institutions, Yale boasts a student population that includes students from all fifty American states, in addition to 108 different countries. Though the institute is centered in New Haven, Connecticut, it has sites located throughout the state as well.
Neatly situated atop a 340-acre campus in Middleton, Connecticut, Wesleyan 911勛圖厙’s 2,700-student body represents a diverse group of learners from around the United States and the world. The university has a special commitment to international studies, with special programs available in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and China. In addition, Wesleyan offers opportunities in 140 other approved programs around the world. A strong commitment to intimate academic learning facilities is complimented by Wesleyan’s membership with the New England Small College Athletic Conference, a part of NCAA Division III. Close to 1,000 students participate in intercollegiate sports every year. Of the applicants that Wesleyan receives every year, a highly selective group is chosen. In effect, only about 22% of those who apply to the college are actually accepted. Of these students, 52% are women, and 48% are men.
Located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, Trinity offers an intimate college setting within a larger urban environment. The commitment that Trinity College has to the liberal arts can be felt in their multifaceted approach to the educational experience. Their approach is based on the philosophy that an intimate college setting, one in which students and teachers can form personal relationships, is the ideal way of honing an individual student’s particular talents and skill set. As with many progressive university philosophies that are taking hold in recent years, Trinity has displayed an interest and commitment to interdisciplinary learning practices. They also encourage community involvement and internships as ways for students to exercise real world application of their learned skills. In addition, Trinity is proud of its safe and secure campus, because they believe that what students can learn from each other in dormitories, at dining halls, and through extracurricular organizations is just as important as their formal learning in the classroom.
Lyme Academy, locate in Old Lyme, Connecticut, is one of a growing number of small liberal arts schools designed almost exclusively for prospective visual artists. The College provides four-year degrees in the disciplines of drawing, sculpture, illustration, and painting- a distinguished bachelor of fine arts degree that is complimented by their commitment to liberal arts studies as well. The town in which Lyme Academy is located is well known for its history as host to an artistic community, hosting some of the nation’s first impressionist artists at the turn of the 20th century.
With a student to faculty ration of just 9:1, Connecticut College is also a firm believer in the concept that an intimate class setting fosters individualized learning. Connecticut College is among the top producers of Fulbright winners among liberal arts colleges. In addition, the college has demonstrated a firm commitment to environmental issues over the past several years. With forty-seven major and a vibrant student body, this institute of higher learning provides students with a host of distinctive learning options as they prepare themselves for a rewarding educational experience.
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