<span>Criminal Justice</span>

Best Criminal Justice Schools

How are the Top Criminal Justice Programs Chosen?

Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League institution in Philadelphia. UPenn hosts 12 schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 academic fields of study. Additionally, UPenn’s Gothic-style...

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I think it's the perfect school for me.

” – Katherine from Murrieta, CA
Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution in Baltimore and the first research university in the United States. Hopkins confers degrees and certificates in over 260 academic programs. Additionally, Hopkins is home to the Hopkins Applied...

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All of the classes are full of material and even the intro classes go above and beyond what one would have learned in high school, and even in an AP class.

” – Alyssa from Grand Blanc, MI
University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...

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University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...

” – Thomas from Houston, TX
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Boston College

Boston College is a 4-year Jesuit Catholic University and the first institution of higher learning founded in the city of Boston. BC is home to eight schools and colleges conferring degrees in over 50 fields of study. As a Catholic university, Boston...

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BC lives up to its Jesuit ideal in offering a well rounded, liberal arts experience. Small class sizes and engaging professors are essential parts of all classes. BC accepts a great deal of AP and SAT II credits, exempt students from less interesting...

” – Andrea from Lake Forest, CA
Northeastern University

A private research institution located in Boston, Northeastern University was founded in 1898. Northeastern is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 academic majors. Additionally, the university operates a...

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I'm learning so much from Northeastern. I'm currently a psychology major and a music industry minor. I absolutely love it here because there is so many diverse majors and minors that I can do. One of the greatest things here is that I can always see...

” – Xiangling from Staten Island`, NY
Tulane University of Louisiana

Tulane University is private nstitution located in New Orleans, Louisiana. As one of only 62 members in the Association of American Universities, TU is considered a top research university. The campus features five undergraduate schools that provide...

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In my first year at Tulane, I learned so much; not only in the classroom, but outside of it as well. At a school where almost 70% of the students are from outside of Louisiana, I had no problem meeting many diverse people, (culturally and...

” – Scott from Stillwater, MN
Boston University

Boston University is a private, non-profit university with a heavy emphasis on research. BU’s main location is right in its name—Boston, MA—but the university has flagship locations around the world, including in London, Sydney, and Washington, DC...

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The faculty is usually attentive and pretty entertaining. Most professors know exactly what they're talking about and provide insight into difficult fields with ease. I took the Core Curriculum and am learning much about history and philosophy. I...

” – Alex from Waco, TX
University of Richmond
University Of Richmond, VA
University of Richmond

The University of Richmond is a 4-year liberal arts university located in Virginia’s capital city. Richmond confers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors and its Jepson School of Leadership is the first school to offer a Leadership and...

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I was challenged more than ever in HS just in my first semester at UR.

” – Valerie from Westerville, OH
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Founded in 1842 by the friars of the Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova University is a 4-year research institution in the Philadelphia area and the oldest Catholic school in Pennsylvania. Villanova is home to six colleges and schools conferring...

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The class experiences are definitely rewarding if you put the time and effort into the course material. Those who stay reasonably caught up with assigned readings and homework will get a lot out of the courses and will find they learn much more than...

” – David from Williamstown, NJ
University of Florida

One of the few land-, space-, and sea-grant institutions in the US, the University of Florida is a public research university founded in 1853. It is the eighth largest single-campus university in the United States. U.S. News & World Report have...

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This is the best school in the state hands down, and is also a powerful name amongst all colleges in the nation, both private and public.

” – Jerry from San Antonio, FL
University of California-Irvine

The University of California in Irvine was founded in 1965 in the town and state of the same name, and is the youngest member of the Association of American Universities. This high-research institution offers 92 majors and 86 minors and the campus is...

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Being that I have only been at UCI for one year so far, I feel that I am really learning a lot from my professors and from the students that I have surrounded myself with. No matter where you are at, it is the people you are around that you can...

” – Emi from Temecula, CA
University of Miami

Founded in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research institution in south Florida. The U encompasses 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 180 fields of study. Away from the classroom, the Miami campus is home to...

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The Cool thing about UM is the diversity of the school and the city of Miami. I've met people from every corner of the country and the world and that's the best part about college, of course learning in class but also learning from those who are not...

” – Jude from Miami, FL
Florida State University

Florida State University is the oldest institution of Higher Education in Florida. Located on 1,633 acres of land in Tallahassee, FSU is a space- and sea-grant research university offering more than 300 degree programs. The campus is home to the only...

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There are many different programs at FSU so you will be surrounded with experienced and helpful faculty. The university is strong in the liberal arts and hard sciences, but they also have a number of other outstanding programs including criminology...

” – Alesha from Shalimar, FL
George Washington University

George Washington University is a private university maintains three campuses, with the main campus located in Washington, D.C., just four blocks from the White House. George Washington University offers 75 undergraduate majors and 69% of students...

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This is my first semester and I'm taking six classes and I've definitely learned a lot. First thing I learned is not to take six classes, especially not your first semester. It's a big load, but I'm handling it well and I love my classes. I'm in...

” – Arianna from Brookline, MA
American University

American University is a research institution located in a residential neighborhood of Washington, DC. AU has eight schools on its carbon-neutral campus featuring more than 160 programs. American University is also home to many research centers...

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As a student of International Relations, I don't think I could have chosen a better school. My professors were not only well-versed on theory, but they had made (and were STILL making) valuable contributions to their fields. Relative to other schools...

” – Justine from Topeka, KS
College of the Ozarks

With campus a short distance from Lake Taneycomo, the College of the Ozarks is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college in southwest Missouri. College of the Ozarks grants undergrad degrees in 28 academic majors and all courses feature a Christ...

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I know I will learn a lot here because you have most of the the things I want to partake in.

” – Natalie from virginia, IL
Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, research institution located in the New York town of the same name. SU’s 13 academic divisions offer 200 majors and 100 minors for undergraduate students, as well as multiple international study programs in  60...

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The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested...

” – Angela from Syracuse, NY
Howard University

Howard University is an HBCU comprised of 13 schools and colleges located two miles from the US Capitol. Nationally-ranked programs at HU include social work, business, and communication sciences and disorders. Howard has three honors programs for...

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I have learned more in the past year at Howard than I can honestly put into words. I have learned so much about Architecture my first year that I can confidently draft floor plans and elevations of a structure, and make a decent model of it, whereas...

” – Devon from Arlington, VA
California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

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I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...

” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
Clark University

Clark University is a private institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Clark offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors structured around Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum which includes a small...

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I have, quite honestly, learned more in my first semester at Clark than I ever have in my entire life. The academics here are very good but in some cases you have to step up your own learning, it isn't always handed to you. All my professors are...

” – Olivia from West Hartford, CT
University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington is a selective institution located in Seattle, WA, with two satellite campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. At this Public Ivy, sustainability is a major focus and the school has made The Princeton Review Green College Honor...

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If you can get past the large number of students in your lower-level classes, learning will not be a problem. Professors, TAs and study centers are generally very kind and willing to help you out. If you seek help, you will get it.

” – Madeline from Seattle, WA
University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a land- and sea-grant public research university in Athens, GA. Founded in 1785, University of Georgia is one of three public universities to hold the title of the oldest public university in the US. With 17 different...

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At UGA you get what you sign up for. I am currently taking 15 hours and all 15 of those are spent taking serious notes and paying close attention to learn the new material. I am learning new stuff everyday and am tested on it every 3 weeks. Coming...

” – Paige from Blythewood, SC
San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. What began as an all-female college for elementary school teachers now consists of 8 colleges that offer 95 undergraduate programs plus a variety of...

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I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and...

” – Lizette from Planada, CA
University of Maryland-College Park

Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland-College Park is a 4-year public research university in Maryland’s Capital Region and the flagship campus of the UMD system. UMD hosts 12 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 92 academic...

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At the University of Maryland, you learn so much more than just facts and truths from textbooks and lectures. While the classes are extremely informational, and the professors and T.A.s are all very knowledgeable on their subjects, the real learning...

” – Anonymous from PA
North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant research university located in the state capital, Raleigh, home of the annual state fair and Winterfest. The largest university in the Carolinas by enrollment, NC State is home...

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Great school; learn new things even in introductory classes.&#13;
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The majority of my engineering professors at NCSU have been top notch. They have helped me to go beyond the formulas and math by teaching the concepts related to the subject as well as...

” – Wolfpackfan124
Ohio State University-Main Campus

Originally founded as a land-grant university in 1870, Ohio State University is a public institution in Columbus and the third-largest campus in the nation. OSU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom...

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You won't believe the opportunities you have here at Ohio State. There are over 160 academic programs available. I enrolled with an undeclared major, but wasn't nervous about it because ultimately whatever you go into you will be successful. The...

” – David from Perrysburg, OH
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
Marist College

Originally founded as a seminary for training future Marist Brothers, Marist College is a Roman Catholic school in southeast New York State. Marist grants bachelor’s degrees in 47 academic programs. Outside of the classroom, Marist maintains...

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The classes tend to be small, I've never been in a class with more than 25 students. This is so beneficial because each student gets as much individual attention as they need. Most teachers are quite dedicated and have real passion for their subjects...

” – Emily from Alamo, CA
University of Denver

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is the oldest private university in the Rocky Mountain Region. DU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic fields of study and every major enables students to take courses across different subjects...

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It isn't hard to learn a lot if you go to classes and pay enough attention to your environment. It's also easy to learn a lot of lessons outside of the classroom by volunteering for events and getting involved with on-campus groups.

” – Michelle
University of Tulsa

Founded in 1894, The University of Tulsa is a 4-year private research institution in northeast Oklahoma. Tulsa is home to six colleges conferring degrees in 67 academic majors and its campus is noteworthy for its Collegiate Gothic buildings. A...

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I love the University of Tulsa's curriculum. All students have to take certain classes, and it helps to break up your classes that are all focused on your major. Also, all liberal arts majors are required to have a minor (and science majors are...

” – Faith from Tulsa, OK
Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University is a Tier 1 University with higher research activity and rated as having a more selective admissions process. The TCU mission is "to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the...

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The professors here take their jobs very seriously, and most, if not all, are always willing to help you out. They're easy to approach if you have questions or concerns, and teach their classes so that you will actually learn something. There is a...

” – Lauren from Baytown, TX
University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a private research university affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. USD offers 42 different bachelor's degrees and 54 minors, in addition to various study abroad programs, and more than half of the student body...

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great academics
small class sizes will work with me (20-30)
professors care about their students

” – Yasamin from El Cajon, CA
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

With campuses three miles apart, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship campus with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 150 academic majors and minors. In addition, the U of M is...

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If you are willing to spend the time, the professors are more than willing to help you out. Some of the classes are hard and require after class work, but in the end it's all worth it. They don't restrict you on what you can / can't take. It's up to...

” – Donald from Norwood, MN
University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a public research university that houses 14 schools and colleges, and more than 100 undergraduate majors. Centered around Horsebarn Hill, the university features a floriculture greenhouse, animal barns, and Dairy Bar...

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The classes are very in depth. With the size of the classes, there isn't much one one one time with the professor, if any, so how much you learn depends completely on you. You can choose to stay on top of things on your own or you can utilize the...

” – Lilia from Willington, CT
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...

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Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...

” – Eric from Winburne, PA
University of Central Florida

Featuring the largest single-campus enrollment in the United States, the University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando. UCF is home to 13 colleges granting degrees in over 200 academic majors. Additionally, UCF is a space-grant...

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Since I have been at the University of Central Florida I have learned more than I could imagine. The professors truly know what they are teaching and are more than welcomed to give you any additional help if needed. There is no excuse that they...

” – Rebecca from Kissimmee, FL
Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is a Roman Catholic university in eastern Washington state and a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Gonzaga offers 15 undergraduate degrees featuring 52 majors. As a Catholic institution, Gonzaga...

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I transferred for University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho to go to a more demanding school like Gonzaga University. Gonzaga thrives off of the success of it's students. The teachers care and although this school requires a lot of work, the fulfillment...

” – Arlene from Vancouver, WA
Clemson University

Clemson University is America’s second-largest university by student population and South Carolina’s land- and sea-grant institution. Clemson is home to seven colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in more than 80 academic majors. For...

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Not only do I learn a lot of material from the textbooks and outstanding professors, but Clemson teaches you how to manage your new independent life. It also reaffirms your basic fundamentals in school and out side of the classroom. You will be book...

” – Lenise from Decatur, GA
Saint Louis University

Founded by Jesuits in 1818, Saint Louis University is a private research institution and one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. SLU is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees. For students...

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After one semester in my classes at Saint Louis University, I can practically run circles around my old high school friends academically. The classes here are very challenging but great for anyone who truly desires a quality education. It takes...

” – Evan from Brighton, IL
Stonehill College

Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Stonehill College is a Catholic liberal arts college in southeast Massachusetts. Stonehill confers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic programs and all students are required to participate in a...

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At Stonehill, I feel as though I am learning a lot. I am currently a biology major. My classes are challenging although they are doable. There are only 2,500 students in my school which leads to an average classroom size of 25. My professors all...

” – Nina from Mount Sinai, NY
North Central College

North Central College is a private comprehensive institution located just 30 miles west of Chicago in Naperville, Illinois. Founded in 1861, North Central offers nearly 100 different majors, minors and programs that serve the needs and interests of...

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The classes have been small and very informative. I have had no problems scheduling classes when I want them or changing time/day if I need to. I was also allowed to apply to the teacher education program before starting my sophomore year. The...

” – Tyler from Sandwich, IL
University of St Francis

Established by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the University of St. Francis is a Franciscan Catholic liberal arts college in the Chicagoland area. St. Francis is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business...

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It has a diverse population of students and faculty. The environment is very welcoming and hospitality orientated. Also, the college offers many programs and clubs to get you involved around campus.

” – Tyon from Chicago, IL
San Jose State University

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...

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I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...

” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA
The College of New Jersey

Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey is a 4-year public institution in the Trenton area. TCNJ is home to seven colleges and schools including the oldest teacher-training program in the state.  Today it is...

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College does change an individual, and I certainly am no exception. I went to TCNJ expecting to gain better writing skills and become immersed in learning about the journalistic world. In actuality, the real learning came from outside the classroom...

” – Brianna from Matawan, NJ
Truman State University

Truman State University is a 4-year public liberal arts college in northeast Missouri. Truman confers bachelor’s degrees in 36 academic majors and its Liberal Studies program combines “traditional learning” and “personal investigation.” Truman hosts...

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There is a wide selection of classes to choose from and while it is sometimes difficult to get into a desired class there are many more options open. The smaller class sizes really allow you to interact better with your teacher and so get more out of...

” – Keara from Wildwood, MO
Loyola University Chicago

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in the city of Chicago. Loyola has four campuses in the Chicago area–the main Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan, Water Tower Campus in the heart of downtown, the...

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As a nursing student at Loyola University I was immediately enrolled in classes directly related to my major. The teachers for my nursing classes encouraged me to take initiative in getting involved early within the nursing field. They taught me...

” – Heather
California State University-Fullerton

California State University-Fullerton is a 4-year public research institution in Orange County and a campus of the Cal State system. Cal State Fullerton has the largest student body out of any California State University school and has been...

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The classes at Cal State University, Fullerton are fairly easy. I had expected college to be a lot more difficult, but CSUF has proved otherwise. Although the classes are not difficult, they have allowed me to grow intellectually. The professors...

” – Janet
Lewis University

Lewis University is a private institution based in Romeoville, Illinois. The university operates two regional sites in Oak Brook and Tinley Park, as well as a satellite campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The school is affiliated with the Roman...

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Lewis is an amazing school. There are many different types of majors and degrees offered and it has the top rated Aviation and Nursing programs in the Midwest. Lewis is a small, close knit and friendly community.

” – Martina from Burbank, IL
Rockhurst University

Founded in 1910, Rockhurst University is a private institution with “selective admissions.” As a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, students at Rockhurst have the opportunity to tap into their faith through retreats...

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rockhurst is a great university for someone looking to make close relationships with their professors and know them on a personal level. also, meeting new people is super easy because of the size of the university and there are students from all over...

” – Anna from Overland Park, KS
University of South Carolina-Columbia

The University of South Carolina is a 4-year public research institution in the state capital of Columbia. South Carolina encompasses 12 colleges conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, U of SC is home to the first freestanding academic...

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At the University of South Carolina in Columbia, there are a multitude of classes to choose from. From the Psychology of Sex to the Philosophy of Contemporary Moral Issues, this University has many classes that will tickle your fancy. Being the...

” – Emily from Ladson, SC
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh academy, the University of Pittsburgh is a 4-year state-related research institution. Pitt is composed of 16 colleges and universities granting undergraduate degrees in numerous academic majors and minors. The Pitt...

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The professors are great, but in order to take advantage of all they have to offer, you have to GO to class!! Also, create a relationship with them - it may come in handy for research or internship opportunities.

” – Lauren from Harrison City, PA