William Jewell College (Jewell)

William Jewel College's "rigorous set of programs that push you to the limits of your ability" and "top-notch academics" are considered by some enrollees to be "unmatched in the Midwest." Academics revolves around a core curriculum that transforms undergraduates into "critical thinkers" who can "step outside their own perspectives." The school requires every student to take courses in four areas: culture and traditions; science, technology, and the human experience; power and justice; and the sacred and secular. When it comes to specific majors, students are quick to applaud "the strong science and pre-med program" along with the "well established" nonprofit program. They also note that the nursing program has a "great reputation." Luckily, no matter your course of study, professors tend to be "great lecturers" and "amazingly dedicated." As one impressed student concludes, "The professors at William Jewell are very personable and willing to go the extra step to build a connection with each and every student. They are always finding the best way to reach out to their students and provide each student with the best chance of success."

Regardless of their path to William Jewell, undergraduates describe their "intelligent" and "laid back but focused" peers as "pretty open and accepting of just about anyone." This "amazing community," filled with "some of the most genuine people you will ever meet," enables students to "fit in very easily." The school's "white, Protestant, [and] upper-middle class" contingent has become more diverse over time-30% of the student body now identifies as a minority. In short, "No one really is ever left out of anything as long as they're putting the effort in to have friends and be a part of an organization as well as the Jewell community as a whole." The rich commonality shared by students is that they're "committed to their education and community."

Just as William Jewell's classes are filled with vigorous discussion, so too is the campus usually buzzing with activity, from "sporting events [to] resident hall gatherings [to] the occasional fraternity/sorority party." Additionally, undergrads can join numerous clubs, including the esports team, intramurals, concert choir, and the Jewell Theatre Company. Students also enjoy participating in Greek life and school traditions like homecoming, sledding down Browning Bowl, and the annual Billy J Day, when classes are canceled, and there are lawn games, live music, and free food. When students want a break from campus life, they can easily take the "twenty-minute drive" into downtown Kansas City, which features (just to name a few highlights) "the Power & Light District with the T-Mobile Center, the Kaufman Center, and just a few miles south you get into Westport where you can find numerous college/young adult students at any given time." All of these options mean-in the best possible way-that "life at Jewell is a busy one."

According to PayScale.com, the median starting salary for a Jewell graduate is roughly $51,500. Sixty-two percent of Jewell graduates state that their careers are beneficial to making the world a better place. According to the school’s website, 99 percent of Jewell graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation . On the school’s Career Development and Internships page, students are able to search a database of alumni in order to facilitate networking connections for potential jobs and internships. The school’s proximity to Kansas City allows students to gain career experience in a variety of internship settings. One Psychology major notes that “if you’re not in class, you’re at an internship.” Jewell offers seven-week, one-credit sessions for career planning multiple times throughout the year, as well as giving students the opportunity to apply to the Career Mentor Program, which matches them up with a professional in their chosen field.