Earlham College (EC)

A small school with Quaker roots, Earlham College offers "small class sizes [that allow] faculty to easily connect with students." This is a result of a low student-faculty ratio which means students have plenty of opportunity to "have a strong and close connection with professors." Additionally, faculty are "extremely available and willing to connect" to help their students really understand the subjects they "are passionate in teaching." Those professors are "amazing to work with," says a student. Another gushes, "They are like incredibly knowledgeable friends who have [a] strong interest in your future and helping you succeed." Overall, their courses are described as "rigorous," "interesting," and "engaging," and students also find they can "get the help [they] need" without much trouble. Students here cite the unique academic programs which include Peace and Global Studies as well as a program called EPIC, "which [allots] students funds to...research [or intern] in any place or country of their liking." One student sums up the academic experience at Earlham: "Each professor...has made me care about the subject of their class in a way I never would have expected-whether that's opening up a field I already love or finding ways to connect new material to the subjects that are close to me."

Despite being a small school, Earlham manages to yield a "diverse population." Indeed, you can find students "from all over the world" who enrich the campus with their "interesting stories and backgrounds." Undergrads seem to mesh well as everyone treats each other "with kindness and compassion." Moreover, many students here are "concerned about social issues and justice" and a large number "seem to be inclined to left-wing policies." Or, as another undergrad puts it, "Earlham is hippies. Earlham is bare feet and climbing trees. Earlhamites are activists. They are earth lovers, peace lovers, and lovers of learning." Therefore, it's not too shocking to learn that many students also describe their peers as "collaborative and encouraging" because of the "close-knit bonds [they have] to the people around them." They "care a lot about [their] community" and "make sure everyone feels welcomed." As one undergrad concludes, "After being on campus for so long, it is easy to realize that everyone here is weird in their own ways, and the great part is that the community is very accepting and less judgmental than most other places."

Many undergrads proudly proclaim that the "possibilities are endless" at Earlham when it comes to campus activities. Indeed, it's "a wonderful environment for passionate and selfdriven students" who thrive on having "back-to-back commitments." As one enthusiastic individual explains, "I run a club, direct and act in plays, sing in the choir, go to the gym, and still take nineteen credits." It's hard to resist the many school-sponsored activities "such as concerts, bowling, movie night, [and] roller skating." Another popular activity is Dance Alloy, which is a "bi-yearly student choreographed dance performance" that many students join and "spend multiple nights a week practicing and preparing" to get just right. Moreover, "every other Friday night there is an open mic event...[where] everyone is welcome to perform." And when the weekend fully rolls around, you can "usually [find some] house parties or people just [hanging] out with their friends." Those hang-out sessions can include "talking about literature, playing cards, [or having] occasional nights of drinking and video games." And a good number simply love exploring the "large chunk of undeveloped woods behind [the] campus."

The Center for Global and Career Education is a great resource, offering coaching, résumé guidance, and networking. And its Epic Advantage Internship Program provides all students with funding for a meaningful internship, research opportunity, or career-oriented experience, either during the summer or the academic year. “There are … a lot of opportunities for research, internships, and travel,” as well as “lots of encouragement for [study] abroad programs.” Earlham is “highly regarded,” and the college “networks with a number of large programs and universities around the country and world.” Further support is provided through Career Communities, which align students with mentors (faculty and alumni), advisers, and job and internship opportunities related to their interests. Payscale.com reports that 61% of Earlham graduates find a great deal of meaning in their job, and earn a median starting salary of $60,400.