Elmira College (New York)

Elmira College provides a "very student-led" education, which includes the opportunity for students to create their own major through the Individualized Studies program. Hands-on and immersive learning is a significant part of the academic experience. One example of this is Term III, a six-week period in the spring semester dedicated to offcampus immersive learning. This experience varies for each student: education majors might student-teach, while nursing students can participate in clinical work. Many others choose to study abroad or conduct field research during Term III. According to the school, Term III is an opportunity for "low-stakes exploration," allowing students to pursue their interests without the pressure of grades or evaluations. Another unique feature of the school is the service-learning requirement, which requires students to complete 60 hours of community engagement with a nearby nonprofit organization. A recent addition to Elmira is the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School, offering a degree in business administration alongside minors in fashion merchandising or fashion marketing. Elmira emphasizes career preparation, with 97 percent of students completing an internship before graduation. Classroom learning is characterized by healthy discussions, creating an environment where "your voice can always be heard and your opinion valued." Professors are "very involved" and genuinely "want to see their students succeed," often going out of their way to "give you more help outside of the classroom." Students also appreciate that most professors "have an abundance of real work experience" and find that "their passion for their field truly comes out when teaching and lecturing."

The student body is very welcoming and aims to “always make sure everyone is comfortable.” Elmira’s small size “allows everyone to get to know each other,” so it’s “easy to make friends here.” As one student describes the dynamic, “Though I do have a close-knit circle of who I see as my best friends… [in the dining hall] I see a sea of people that I would feel comfortable sitting with,” adding, “I don’t feel like just another number or a nameless student here.” Students here are “encouraged to cultivate their interests and be as involved and outgoing as possible.” It’s a group that is “passionate about the clubs, activities, and athletic programs to which they belong,” and these extracurricular activities “keep us intermingling.” As one student sums up, people here “go out of their way to help one another,” adding, “I love the care and support; it is a community that respects one another.”

The cobblestone paths and Gothic Revival-style buildings bring “an air of elegance and beauty” to this intimate campus, where “everything is within 10 minutes of walking distance.” The campus is home to the Center of Mark Twain Studies, which hosts literary events throughout the year. Mark Twain’s own octagonal study, where he penned many of his most famous works, is also located here, and Elmira’s connection to the famous author is a big draw for some students. On this historic campus that dates back to 1855, “there is always something going on.” From poetry readings and sports games to a cappella performances and variety shows, Elmira students stay busy exploring their interests alongside their classmates. The school has over 50 clubs and organizations, including Competitive Dance, Hiking Club, and PRIDE club, along with 18 varsity athletics teams. The campus has several unique traditions, including some “events dating back 100+ years.” This includes Mountain Day, which was started in 1918 and involves the entire campus gathering for a picnic lunch before enjoying games and outdoor activities in the fall weather. In addition to participating in clubs, attending games, and enjoying campus events, students often catch up with friends in the dorms or have movie nights. With so many options available, “students can partake in what they like best.”