Best of the Great Lakes: Baccalaureate Colleges with an Arts and Sciences Focus
This ranking presents some of the finest institutions of the Great Lakes. They have each distinguished themselves as top performers within their class – comprising the top third of colleges in their category and the Great Lakes region.
To earn their well-deserved place on this prestigious list, colleges had to meet stringent eligibility criteria. Firstly, they needed to be located within the Great Lakes region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Additionally, these colleges had to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to an arts and sciences curriculum, establishing themselves as baccalaureate colleges with an arts and sciences focus.
The inclusion of the arts and sciences focus criterion brings forth numerous advantages associated with these outstanding institutions. By emphasizing an expansive education in the liberal arts and sciences, these colleges foster an environment that cultivates critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and holistic growth. Students are exposed to a diverse range of academic disciplines, enabling them to develop a well-rounded perspective, make interdisciplinary connections, and navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.
Within this carefully curated list, colleges are meticulously ranked using a comprehensive array of metrics and assessments. The ranking consider factors that indicate the quality of the college experience. These include student satisfaction, on-time graduation rates, high earnings potential, and low student debt.
Student satisfaction serves as a vital indicator of the quality of education and campus environment. It reflects the overall experience of students, encompassing factors such as supportive faculty, engaging academic programs, vibrant campus life, and access to resources and opportunities that enhance personal and intellectual development.
On-time graduation rates exemplify the commitment of these colleges to guide and support their students towards timely degree completion. By offering effective academic advising, clear pathways to graduation, and a nurturing learning environment, these institutions equip students with the necessary tools to complete their studies efficiently and embark on their professional journeys.
High earnings potential highlights the value of a college education, showcasing the positive impact these institutions have on their graduates’ future career prospects. Colleges that prioritize real-world application of knowledge, career readiness initiatives, and strong industry connections help students launch successful careers, setting them on a path towards financial stability and professional fulfillment.
Moreover, low student debt levels underscore the institutions’ dedication to providing affordable and accessible education. By offering financial aid options, scholarships, and promoting responsible borrowing practices, these colleges empower students to pursue their academic dreams without burdening them with overwhelming debt, ensuring a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
These institutions, with their unwavering commitment to an arts and sciences focus and a holistic approach to education, are shaping the minds and futures of their students, empowering them to become well-rounded individuals and influential contributors to society.
Best Colleges of the Great Lakes
Baccalaureate Colleges with an Arts and Sciences Focus
| 1 | Kenyon College | Gambier | OH |
| 2 | Wheaton College | Wheaton | IL |
| 3 | Denison University | Granville | OH |
| 4 | Illinois College | Jacksonville | IL |
| 5 | DePauw University | Greencastle | IN |
| 6 | Lake Forest College | Lake Forest | IL |
| 7 | Wabash College | Crawfordsville | IN |
| 8 | Oberlin College | Oberlin | OH |
| 9 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere | WI |
| 10 | Kalamazoo College | Kalamazoo | MI |
| 11 | The College of Wooster | Wooster | OH |
