<span>25 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 25 ACT Score</span>

25 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 25 ACT Score

The ACT is one of the main standardized tests that colleges use as part of their admissions process. Scored on a scale of 1 to 36, there are 215 questions designed to be answered in 2 hours and 55 minutes. Test takers will answer questions on four main areas of study: English, Reading, Science, and Math. There is also an optional Writing portion of the exam that adds 40 minutes to the test. 

 

Is a 25 ACT Score (75th Percentile) Good?

Of the two million students that take the ACT each year, the average national score is a 20.8, sometimes simply rounded up to a 21. Earning an ACT score of 25 puts you above average, making you eligible at a wide variety of schools and competitive at some selective institutions. 

To put this accomplishment in another light, a 25 ACT score puts you at the 75th percentile — that means you scored higher than 75% of all test takers. Give yourself a round of applause because you’ve earned it! 

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 25?

A score of 25 provides a good opportunity for admission at a wide variety of schools from large public universities to smaller liberal arts colleges. We’ve assembled a list of these schools below. While a standardized test score is only one part of the application, all of these institutions have established histories of accepting students who score a 25 on the ACT.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 25 Score?

As noted above, an ACT score of 25 is competitive for admission to most colleges and universities. If your score lines up with your academics, and your academics are on par with what your Target and Reach colleges and universities are asking for, you’re all set. Focus on keeping your GPA up and even begin your personal statement—college application season will be here before you know it!

If you’re in your junior year and want to apply for a more selective school, consider retaking the ACT to see if you can improve upon your already good score. A competitive score at more selective schools is 30, so you’ll need to put in some serious effort to achieve it. To help make that leap, consult the detailed results analysis of your score to determine if any sections of the test were especially difficult. Concentrate on improving any subject where you earned a low score by taking several timed practice tests in that area of study. You should also consider finding a standardized testing tutor if possible.

As for seniors, there’s not a whole ton of time left to retake the ACT and significantly improve your score. Instead, it may be more beneficial to concentrate on ensuring that the rest of your application is strong, including the personal essay, list of after school activities, and GPA. Keep putting effort into all of your classes and don’t give in to senioritis. In addition, don’t forget to connect with teachers and mentors that have watched you grow academically and as a person for recommendations. An all-around good application is always the goal.

 

25 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 25 ACT score is equivalent to a 1200 to a 1230 on the SAT.  Note that there are some key differences between these two tests, so what you earn on one may not be what you earn on the other, but this is a good way to compare scores. 

The ACT and SAT differ in time management skills, tools, and even content. If you feel like your score should be higher than it is, you may want to consider taking a practice SAT test and see what your predicted score could be. 

 

Scholarships for a 25 ACT Score

A 25 ACT score makes you eligible for merit aid — both from your prospective institution and third party scholarships. Make sure to scout for as many merit-based scholarships as possible, as well as searching for ones based on location, life circumstances, passions, and extracurriculars! Build up that nest egg to cover institutions, text books, and unexpected colleges costs. 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 25 a good ACT score?

A “good” ACT is one that makes you eligible to apply to a vast majority of colleges and makes you competitive, which a 25 ACT score definitely does. Make sure the rest of your college application is up to par with your great ACT score!

 

What colleges can I get into with a 25 ACT score?

You can apply to (and have a good chance) of getting accepted to many colleges. You’ll want to find ones that fall within your Target range, though, which include San Diego State University, DePaul University, and Appalachian State University.   

 

What percentile is a 25 ACT score?

A 25 ACT score puts you at the 75th percentile

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 25 ACT score?

A 25 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1200 to 1230 on the SAT. There are some differences between these tests, so it’s not a direct 1-to-1 comparison, but this is a good way to understand how you compare.  

 

What scholarships can you get with a 25 ACT score?

A 25 ACT score makes you eligible for merit scholarships and merit aid! Apply for as many as you can find, but don’t forget to apply for other scholarships, as well. There are thousands of scholarships for things like location, passions, life circumstances, and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

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With campus along the banks of the Chippewa River, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a 4-year public university and a regional UW campus in northwest Wisconsin. UWEC is home to colleges of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing...

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For a smaller university, UWEC offers a really wide range of classes. You can study anatomy, geology, and modern dance all in one day if you want. Professors are very passionate and really go out of their way to make sure students understand...

” – Ally from Madison, WI

Originally founded as Baptist College, Charleston Southern University is a Christian school in the greater Charleston area and the only Christian college in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. CSU grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic...

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Great faculty and diversity in course selection.

” – Martin from Saint Louis, MO

Founded in 1896, Clarkson University is a 4-year private school in northern New York State. Clarkson confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic fields of study. Additionally, the university hosts the SPEED program providing the opportunity to...

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This college is very demanding when it comes to some subjects and very laid back when it comes to others. The big 3 courses, physics, chemistry, and calculus, serve as a filter for the students. If you can't keep up and learn the material, you...

” – Dylan from Fort Edward, NY

Founded in 1882, the University of Findlay is a private institution based in Findlay, OH. UF is affiliated with the Churches of God General Conference and is rated as having “more selective” admissions. The school offers liberal arts-based degree...

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The classes are really small for the most part. I am a Pre-vet student, it's a popular major here so the classes get filled up quickly and are really full. They almost always open up another class to choose. The professors care about the students and...

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Regis College is a coed, Catholic university 12 miles west of Boston in Weston, Mass. With over 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolled on campus and in fully online graduate programs, Regis provides an academically rigorous...

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Regis College has really good teachers who care about the student and do everything in their power to make sure the student understands the information they are receiving. The teachers are well educated themselves and also keep the classes...

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Northwest Missouri State University is a state-funded institution based in the rural town of Maryville, Missouri. The tree-filled campus is designated as the official Missouri State Arboretum. Business, elementary education, and communications are...

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Northwest has a lot of different offices around campus that can help you if you are struggling with any class you are in. There is no reason that you shouldn't be able to succeed here!

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Carroll University is a selective liberal arts college located Waukesha, Wisconsin, with an affiliation to the Presbyterian Church. Established in 1846, Carroll University was the first 4-year higher learning institution in the state and began with...

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On average, the class sizes are about the size of a high school class (20-30 students), which means each student has a better opportunity to talk to their professor. I am someone who really likes science, so I really enjoy how the science labs have...

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Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...

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The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.

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Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is a 4-year public school in eastern South Dakota and the state’s largest university. The oldest institution of higher education in South Dakota, SDSU awards bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic...

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SDSU has a great environment set up for learning and getting to that boring part of college we all dread...studying. The fact that most of the people in my dorm (Matthews) were involved in the same things as I am meant they were in a lot of my...

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At Plymouth State, you will actively learn with faculty and students, not just within your major but from diverse disciplines and with partners such as businesses and organizations, getting real-world, resume-boosting experience. The Plymouth State...

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The five stars are not a joke. I am currently a freshman at Lindenwood University and I have learned so much within my first semester. Already I have learned with hands on experiences and in the classroom with terrific teachers. Those who are...

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Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private institution based in the suburban town of Franklin, Massachusetts. Many students choose to study dance, drama and theater production, or athletic training. Dean is a sustainable campus and uses LED lighting...

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If you come to Dean wanting to learn, you're going to take a lot away from the experience. I was a Criminal Justice major, and was fortunate enough to have Professor Couture for my Intro to Crim class. She has a system set up where you can earn...

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Webster University is a private institution based in Webster Groves, Missouri. Webster operates campuses around the nation and abroad, in countries such as Ghana, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Greece, that students may transfer to for a semester...

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webster exudes an open atmosphere filled with people that are easy to get along with. the staff is friendly, and personable, and the education quality is top-knotch.

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Founded in 1856, Mars Hill University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in western North Carolina and the region’s oldest institution of higher learning operating on its original site. Nestled among the mountains, Mars Hill confers bachelor...

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The classes are small so the professors really pay attention to you and help you out.

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Luther College is a destination for the active and actively involved. Located in northeast Iowa, with learning opportunities around the world, we encourage curiosity, community, and a commitment to the common good. The Luther curriculum emphasizes...

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The University of Southern Maine is a public institution with three regional campuses. USM confers bachelor’s degrees in 54 academic majors and is one of two universities in the state to offer an ABET accredited Computer Science degree program. USM...

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usm is a great school that is often taken for granted. there are tons of opportunities available once you become involved in the community. usm is also known to have some of the best programs around, in certain majors.

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Originally founded as a normal school, East Tennessee State University is a 4-year public university and part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. ETSU is home to 11 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees...

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I have learned a lot in the classes I have taken so far. I really learned a lot in my computer class and have enjoyed my teachers thus far. After taking sociology class, I decided to take more sociology in the future possibly making it a minor.

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Founded in 1842, Roanoke College is a 4-year liberal arts institution, the second-oldest Lutheran-affiliated college in America. Roanoke offers over 100 areas of study on its Salem, Virginia, campus, all of which are complemented by a core curriculum...

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The teachers on campus try and reach every student. You have to want to learn! The teachers aren't going to bother with someone who doesn't want to learn.

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Albion College is a private liberal arts college associated with the United Methodist Church, though the institution is committed to religious diversity and non-discrimination. It is included in the 2019 Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US...

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I'll be a sophomore for the 2009-2010 school year. The classes I took last year were mainly the basic classes for starting your science major and I felt like I was learning a lot and it was challenging but manageable.

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Mount Saint Mary’s University is a women's college located in Los Angeles, California. This Catholic, 4-year institution's campus is nestled high in the Santa Monica Mountains and offers more than 30 majors and concentrations. MSMU puts particular...

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The teachers really get to know the students and there is a lot of individual, personalized attention given to the students. There is a lot of help provided to everyone either with the teacher, students or in the Learning Resource Center where there...

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Founded in 1907, Olivet Nazarene University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Olivet Nazarene confers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 academic areas of study. As a Christian institution, ONU holds twice...

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Because I was an undeclared major my freshman year I took a lot of different classes. I learned a lot of things in all of them. All the teachers that I had were very good and really cared about their students.

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Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is a public Historically Black College and University in southwest Mississippi. The oldest historically black land-grant university in the United States, Alcorn State is home to five schools offering...

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Of course. The teachers are very helpful and will lend a hand whenever you need it.

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Love this school...not to small yet its right between home and Lexington. Campus is beautiful the lake is gorgeous. The housing on campus is getting updated and renovated, to make it more modern. Morehead is AHMAZING!!!

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Named for a former state governor, Austin Peay State University is a public institution in north Tennessee. Austin Peay is home to colleges of Arts & Letters, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and STEM conferring undergraduate degrees. In...

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Members of Austin Peay's faculty are very friendly and helpful. Most professors have an open door policy and are willing to do anything to help their students learn. Also, with the honors program, there are multiple opportunities to build on the...

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Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. It ranks #22 in Top Public Schools by the U.S. News & World Report. The university offers its students the chance to participate in Moot Court, Model UN, and...

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Four out of five of my classes, and I'm ignoring my math class because it's not my strong point, had teachers that were not afraid to engage with you and make sure you know what you needed and wanted to know. When I feel like a teacher wants me to...

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Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota is the state’s oldest public university and is a designated R2 research university by the Carnegie Foundation. The Vermillion campus is located along the bluffs of the Missouri River and home to seven...

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From day one the teachers are really excited about teaching. Many professors, while not able to get to know students in class, welcome office visits with open arms. The class variety makes it easy to explore options and get a taste of other majors...

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Xavier University of Louisiana is an historically black college and university (HBCU) located in New Orleans. This 4-year, liberal arts institution is one of 10 to receive a Building Infrastructures Leading to Diversity (BUILD) award for their...

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At Xavier professors care, they are always available to you. Xavier being a small school your classes are a lot smaller and you get the chance to interact with your professors and really get an understanding of what they are teaching. Also when you...

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Regent University is a private, non denominational evangelical institution based on the coast of Virginia Beach, VA. It is a military-friendly university with a “selective” admissions process. Many students choose to study communications, biblical...

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With seven different schools, stretching from psychology and law to theater and cinema production (offered at both grad and undergrad levels), Regent University is the place to be if you are a blossoming Christian leader. The learning environment...

” – Lauren from Senoia, GA

Founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is a 4-year public school and one of the oldest universities in the state. UCA awards undergraduate degrees in 86 academic programs and is one of the largest producers of teachers in Arkansas. For...

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I am a second semester freshman. In the classes i have taken so far, I have learned so much! The science department here is a really great one. If you are struggling in any of your classes there are people, including your professors that are here and...

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The University of Central Oklahoma is a 4-year public school in the Oklahoma City metro area and one of the oldest universities in the southwest United States. UCO oversees six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees in 121 areas of study and operates...

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The classes here are challenging, but the instructors understand that you have other classes so they don't overload you.

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Northern Kentucky University is a 4-year public university in the greater Cincinnati area. NKU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the Northern Kentucky campus is home to a laser...

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The school is quickly becoming well-known for its academics now more than ever.

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Originally founded as Mankato Normal School, Minnesota State University-Mankato is a 4-year public school overlooking the Blue Earth River valley in central Minnesota. MSU Mankato operates six colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 130 fields of...

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You are able to learn the material in a matter of time and your time will not be wasted. The professors are willing to schedule days in which they can give you one on one help. There will be a lot of information that comes at once that you will need...

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With campus a short walk from the Mississippi River, Winona State University is a public institution in southeast Minnesota and the oldest school in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. WSU is home to five colleges conferring...

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Winona is a great college! I am absolutely learning a lot of information in a variety of classes! I am a nursing major, and I brought a year's worth of credits in with me from taking PSEO classes during my junior and senior years of high school...

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The California Institute of the Arts is a private university that offers degree programs in visual and performing arts. CalArts offers degrees in more than 70 degree-granting programs in Art, Music, Dance, Theater, and Film, with all undergraduate...

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Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do.

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Molloy University is a coeducational Catholic institution on Long Island. Molloy confers degrees in over 50 undergrad and graduate programs and the college is home to one of the largest nursing programs in the United States. As a Catholic university...

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At Molloy, you have to be try to not get involved in the campus life. There is always a ton of events going on and although it is a small school, the campus life is easily comparable to any larger school. I have been given opportunities here that I...

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Founded by The Society of Jesus, Le Moyne College is a Jesuit institution in Syracuse, NY. The first co-ed Jesuit college in the United States, Le Moyne offers degrees in over 100 majors, minors and special programs. For students interested in the...

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At Le Moyne since it is a small school all the teachers know you on a personal level, and are very understanding. Teachers make sure that you are understanding the lessons and if you need extra help most of the time they are available for help during...

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Hanover College’s campus is nestled along the banks of the scenic Ohio River. Founded in 1827, Hanover is the oldest private college in Indiana. Our stunning natural campus is just an easy drive from one of 3 major metropolitan areas- Indianapolis...

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Hanover is more than a college, it's a community. I've never felt so accepted and welcomed in such a great environment. I feel like I wouldn't be the same person without my liberal arts education I've received here.

” – Shana from Hanover, IN

Houston Christian University is a 4-year institution located on 100 acres of land just outside of its namesake town in Texas. The university promotes academic, spiritual, and academic excellence centered around their central confession “Jesus Christ...

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HBU has a lot to offer and has a very well rounded academic selection.

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With campus overlooking the St. Mary’s River,  St. Mary’s College of Maryland is a liberal arts institution in the Chesapeake Bay region. One of only two public honors colleges in the nation, St. Mary’s offers bachelor’s degrees in 24 academic majors...

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I am consistently challenged at St. Mary's. Each of my classes has been interesting and informative, even in areas that I had already studied previously. As a sophomore, I have already learned so much academically, and I've also learned a lot about...

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Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a Catholic liberal arts institution in western Pennsylvania and is the oldest Franciscan Catholic university in the United States. Saint Francis confers undergraduate degrees in 50+ academic fields of...

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Saint Francis University has been great in transitioning me from living at home, to living away from family members. The environment is very welcoming and all of the faculty and staff are more than willing to help any student in need. Saint Francis...

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At York College of Pennsylvania, we believe that a life of passion and purpose is built by learning and experiencing every day. At York College, our approach to education is practical and experiential, focusing on real-world experiences that allow...

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so far i have only taken core classes but they were very useful to my major. The college will not put you in classes you don't need.

” – Hilary from West Deptford, NJ

Founded in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is a 4-year liberal arts institution and the third oldest public university in Connecticut. ECSU confers bachelor’s degrees in 36 academic majors and all students are required to fulfill...

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Founded in 1819 and situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville College is a 4-year liberal arts college in east Tennessee. Maryville confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 60 academic programs. Surrounded by a 140-acre forest, Maryville...

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Dallas Baptist University is a private Christian institution that features a “Christ-centered,” liberal arts curriculum with “selective” admissions. DBU operates three campuses around Texas in Dallas, Hurst, and Plano. A majority of students choose...

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Looks like a great place to be, and is perfect for pursuing my call to Ministry.

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public institution and doctoral/research facility according to the Carnegie Foundation. It is home to a Biomechanics Research Building, Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, and Baxter Arena. UNO is a...

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The professors at UNO are exceptional and all those I have had are extremely knowledgeable in their fields. Also the course offerings are extremely diverse giving me a lot of new knowledge.

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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...

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The University of Montevallo is the only public liberal arts college in Alabama and is part of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. The center of campus is a designated National Historic District, which features the James Wylie Shepherd...

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I am currently a sophomore at the University of Montevallo and am definitely learning a lot in my classes. Due to the small teacher to student ratio, all of the teachers will at least recognize you as one of their students, if not know you by name...

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