<span>4.0 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 4.0 GPA</span>

4.0 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 4.0 GPA

Grade point average (GPA) measures academic performance, assigning a numeric value to all final grades and computing your average. For example, a 4.0 GPA equals an "A+" grade and indicates that you have received an A+ in every class. If you have a 4.0 GPA, well done!

What is a 4.0 GPA?

The most common GPA scale in the US is the 4.0 scale, where an A is assigned a 4.0, a B is given a 3.0, and so on. On this scale, a 4.0 GPA equals an "A+" grade and indicates that you have received an A+ in every class.

Is a 4.0 GPA Good?

Yes! A 4.0 is the highest possible score with a regular class load, otherwise known as an unweighted GPA. It demonstrates academic excellence and the ability to earn the highest possible grade in every class. Regarding college applications, a 4.0 GPA far exceeds the 3.0 national average for high school graduates and is more on par with what very selective institutions, such as those in the Ivy League, seek out.

What Percentile is a 4.0 GPA?

A 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) is typically considered a perfect or straight-A average. Since it represents the highest possible grade point average, a 4.0 GPA would place you at the top of your class in terms of academic achievement.

However, it's important to note that GPA percentile rankings can vary depending on the specific school, college, or university. For example, at some highly competitive institutions, a 4.0 GPA may place you in the top 10% of their class, while at other schools, it may represent a higher percentile ranking.

What Colleges Can You Apply to With a 4.0 GPA?

A 4.0 GPA is at the very top of the scale and makes you eligible for admission at every school. From large public universities to small private colleges, we've assembled a representative sample of these institutions below. Be aware that no GPA guarantees acceptance, but all these institutions have a history of admitting students with a 4.0 GPA.

Freshmen and Sophomores

For freshmen and sophomores, keeping it up is the best course of action. You're already in a fantastic place, so keep up the stellar work. If you want to challenge yourself more, consider AP and Honors classes (if you aren't already taking them). Now is also the ideal time to explore extracurricular activity options. Whether you're more interested in clubs and organizations, sports, or community service, finding an activity to pursue outside of class will help you find what you're passionate about and really round out a great college application.

Juniors

If you're a junior, it's time to turn a portion of your focus to preparing for standardized tests. Since most colleges consider ACT or SAT scores on approximately equal footing with GPA, it's essential to devote enough time to prepare. First, take a few practice tests and familiarize yourself with the format. Make notes about complicated questions and focus your study time on those areas. Then, if there's enough time, sign up for a test prep class offered by your high school to ensure you're as prepared as possible.

Seniors

For seniors, concentrate on ensuring every part of your application lives up to the standard set by your GPA—from the essay to the list of after-school activities. Have your college counselor read through your personal statement to make sure that it reflects your skills and accomplishments, as well as your 4.0 GPA, does. Then, meet with visiting college admissions officers and network to determine what their college or university wants to see on an application.

What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than a 4.0 High School GPA?

Personnel in the admissions office look at potential students holistically — numbers, like those provided by the GPA and standardized testing, are just the beginning of a student's story. They show that a student can handle the academic rigor at an institution. Still, admission officers want to see what a student is passionate about and what they do outside the classroom. Therefore, make sure you include as many of the following as possible in your application:

What Scholarships Can I Get With a 4.0 GPA? 

You can apply to just about every scholarship requiring a GPA minimum! Make sure to apply for as many scholarships as possible, no matter the dollar amount, because even small amounts of money can help offset the cost of tuition. 

View All Scholarships

 

What is a Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA?

A weighted GPA considers the difficulty of the classes you take. For example, honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes typically have a higher weight, meaning that a higher grade in these classes will result in a higher GPA. A weighted GPA is often used in college admissions to assess the academic rigor of a student's high school curriculum.

On the other hand, an unweighted GPA assigns a common value to each letter grade regardless of the class's difficulty level. For example, an A in an honors class is assigned the same value as an A in a regular class. An unweighted GPA is often used in high school to give a general overview of a student's academic performance.

Explore Colleges for Every GPA with Appily

Ready to explore colleges that accept a GPA like yours? We have a comprehensive database to help you find and research schools. There, you can see essential data points like acceptance rateaverage financial aid awardaverage test scores, and application deadlines, including those for rolling admissionearly decision, and early action schools. 

Go ahead and search colleges now.

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Founded in 1841, Samford University is a 4-year Christian university in the greater Birmingham area affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. Samford is home to 10 colleges conferring numerous undergraduate degrees and all classes are focused...

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From the standards of the admissions as well as the partnerships that Samford holds, I really do believe that learning will be taking place, both inside the classrooms and out.

” – TYEA from Birmingham, AL

Founded in 1919, Babson College is a college of business in the greater Boston area. Babson offers an undergraduate curriculum in Business and Entrepreneurship and the college includes an accelerated degree program that enables students to graduate...

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Definitely will learn about setting up and running a business. Students work a lot in groups, so learning about people and cultures is a good thing.

” – CK from Southern California

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded in 1859 in the East Village of Manhattan by Peter Cooper, is a top-ranked, all-honors college committed to making education fair and accessible to all. Every admitted undergraduate...

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I think the small class sizes will ensure maximum teacher/student interactions

” – Suhaibu from St.thomas, VI

Founded in 1869, Trinity University is a private liberal arts and sciences institution situated in San Antonio, TX. Trinity is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and offers undergrad degrees in 47 academic majors. All freshmen must take a First...

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The professors at Trinity University are all very knowledgeable in their fields and outside and are passionate about what they do, which makes the classes interesting and challenging. However, the professors truly care about their students and will...

” – Kayleigh from Waco, TX

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Pitzer College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southern California and a member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors including the first Secular Studies program in the nation. To provide a...

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Pitzer College as well as the entire Claremont Colleges offers many opportunities and resources including the Claremont Consortium, the Keck Joint Science Center, Student Health Services and others. Students also have the opportunity to create their...

” – Diamond from Los Angeles, CA

Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts institution based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo offers students an immersive first-year experience that includes an 18-day wilderness adventure and a Summer Common Reading conversation. All students are...

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The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their...

” – Hannah from Portage, MI

Bard College
Annandale On Hudson, NY

Bard College is a liberal arts institution with a main location surrounded by the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. The 1,000-acre Annandale campus provides 48 undergraduate programs and concentrations in five divisions, as well as a number of 3+2...

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Bard College is not only a beautiful college, but is also on a beautiful mission to help college student learn and cultivate their ambitions and talents. Bard College has just the right balance of peace on campus to study and adventure in the city...

” – Briana from Alpharetta, GA

Berry College is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Mount Berry, Georgia. Berry became a 4-year, coeducational college in 1926 and has since grown to offer 42 majors and 38 minors for its undergraduate degree population through four schools...

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I am applying what I learn in my animal sciences classes directly into the Dairy where I work. Everything from their nutrition, calving, vaccinations, and surgeries are done first hand by the students. We learn the way things are done in the room...

” – Colleen from Linwood, KS

Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...

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The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.

” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NY

Founded in 1855 by a group of abolitionists, Bates College is a liberal arts college in southern Maine with a focus on social justice and egalitarianism. Bates confers bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors and students have the option to pursue...

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What captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning...

” – Kiera from Lewiston, ME

Founded by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Dominican University is a Catholic institution in the Chicagoland area. Dominican is home to seven colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors. As a Catholic university...

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In my experience, I have not attend other schools so this is based on just my experience in this school The reason that I rate learning a lot 5 of 5 is: almost all the classes were very fun as well informative. to make sure you get this 5 out of 5 is...

” – Roberto from River Grove, IL

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina is a public institution and senior military college in Charleston. The Citadel confers undergrad degrees in 23 academic majors and all students become part of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. In...

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It's one of the most challenging places. If you want to make something of yourself and actually learn something come to the Citadel, but be it takes some thick skin to excel. It's a great school with an amazing alumni network. If you want a different...

” – george from Athens, GA

Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a school of engineering and technology in central Massachusetts. WPI grants bachelor’s degrees in 32 technical and scientific fields of study. In addition, every academic program is centered around...

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Classes are fast paced and can be difficult but there are many resources to help you. Professors are generally willing to help, as are other students. The Math and Science Help Center (MASH) is extremely useful for early math and science classes. An...

” – Alana from Taunton, MA

Founded in 1844, Hillsdale College is a private, nonsectarian Christian, classical liberal arts college located on a picturesque 400-acre campus in southern Michigan. With a national reputation for operational independence from government subsidy...

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Hillsdale College is small, academically rigorous, and conservative. The size makes the class discussions and campus life extremely vibrant, as you get to know your fellow students very well in and out of class. The academic level is as high as the...

” – Nicholas from Ottawa Lake, MI

Christopher Newport University is a 4-year public liberal arts university in the Norfolk area. CNU is home to departments of Business, Natural Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences with all degree-granting programs focused on a liberal...

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Something that CNU prides itself upon is the fact that its classes are small. On average a class will have 25 students in it, which encourages students to interact with their professors and makes it much easier to obtain help when it is needed....

” – Emily from Sterling, VA

Originally established in 1873 as Springfield College, Drury University is a liberal arts college based in southwest Missouri. DU is home to the Your Drury Fusion academic program combining professionally-oriented majors with concentrations in purely...

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Drury University is a small, private, liberal arts college in the heart of the Midwest. The area is beautiful and provides the perfect environment for a great education. The staff and faculty are very helpful and truly care about the education and...

” – Brianna from Springfield, MO

Haverford College is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Philadelphia metro area. Founded in 1833 as a Quaker school, Haverford now grants bachelor’s degrees in 29 academic majors and all degrees culminate in a senior thesis research project. With a...

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Haverford is a fantastic academic environment. In my experience, professors really care about their subject and their students. Overall, they are incredibly approachable and always interested in helping you learn and eager to discuss issues that are...

” – female from MN

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. Tulsa is...

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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

Founded in 1874, Macalester College is a 4-year liberal arts college in St. Paul. Macalester confers undergraduate degrees in 39 majors from over 60 academic fields of study. For students who wish to learn in a different culture, Mac offers a Study...

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Definitely visit! Macalester has a very definite atmosphere, and it's difficult to imagine yourself as a student there without having physically been there.

” – Rowan from Finlayson, MN

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Founded in 1876, Calvin College is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. Calvin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and programs. For students interested in the arts...

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Professors care and want you to succeed. They challenge you, tasks are easy, but they also want to give you the tools to succeed, and excel at it. Some of the professors you connect with will get to know you at a personal level. In the classroom you...

” – Nickolas from Barrington, IL

Scripps College is the women’s college of the Claremont Colleges, located in sunny Southern California. Scripps students enjoy access to over 60 majors, small class sizes, and a collaborative learning environment with professors who value reciprocal...

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There is definitely a specific type of student who does well at Scripps College. This student is nerdy (and not necessarily in the Big Bang Theory sense), curious, and--most importantly--open to new ideas and new experiences. The required courses...

” – Irina from San Rafael, CA

With campus overlooking the Thames River and Long Island Sound, Connecticut College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Connecticut. Connecticut grants bachelor’s degrees in 70 academic fields of study and students also have the opportunity...

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Connecticut College provides a personalized approach to a liberal arts education. Each student is given the opportunity to craft their own major and minor to ensure a successful future. Undoubtedly, Conn students are on a fast track to a career in...

” – Olivia from Hopewell Junction, NY

Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college located north of Chicago, Illinois, near Lake Michigan. The school offers over 200 study abroad programs in places such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Poland, and Vietnam. Top fields of study...

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If you really want to learn, then you should consider Lake Forest College. Its small class sizes enables for the students to easily establish a relationship with the professor. When one’s stuck, they could easily talk to the professor because (1)...

” – Kelly

Founded in 1876, Grove City College is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania. Grove City grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors and all courses feature a focus on Christian faith. As a Christian college...

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I believe listing 5 stars on this is an understatement. I did not think it was even possible for me to learn the amount of material we have covered just in my first semester! The professors are all extremely helpful and the class sizes allow for a...

” – Jonathan from East Islip, NY

Royally chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II and founded in 1693, The College of William & Mary is a public institution in eastern Virginia and the second-oldest university in the nation. William and Mary offers bachelor’s degrees in 40...

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You will find great professors at William and Mary, and not just in the upper level courses. There will always be the dud teachers, but most truly want to be there to teach, not just to do research. It the ideal place for them to do both and they are...

” – Anna from MI

Rhodes is a residential college committed to excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Our highest priorities are intellectual engagement, service to others, and honor among ourselves. We live this life on one of the country’s most beautiful...

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Rhodes College is a four year liberal arts college in Memphis Tennessee that challenges students both academically and morally. The college offers many sought after courses, such as Biology and International Studies, and provides countless...

” – Richard from Frisco, TX

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

Originally founded as The School of Automobile Trades, Kettering University is a 4-year private school in eastern Michigan. Kettering awards bachelor’s degrees in 13 academic programs with a STEM-centered focus. In addition to classroom facilities...

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I haven't had a professor I couldn't understand, and classes are small enough that I can ask the professor any questions I have, and they all know me by name.

” – Zachary from Defiance, OH

Originally founded as a school for women, Sarah Lawrence College is a coed liberal arts college in the New York City metro area. Sarah Lawrence is home to over 50 academic disciplines and all students design their own courses of study. Within each...

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Sarah Lawrence is all about learning. It is sort of the Juliard for writers. You get in based on your writing, and you do well acedemically because of it. There are very few tests, since most of the curriculum is based on essays. It is unlike any...

” – Elizabeth from Cincinnati, OH

Founded in 1846, Taylor University is a private institution and one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in the nation. The school is based in Upland, Indiana. All students, staff, and faculty are required to resist tobacco, alcohol, and drug...

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Taylor is a great place to learn. Taylor makes sure you have knowledge in a broad spectrum of subjects while still focusing on your own major. Professors are great. Most of them are very willing to help you outside of class and help you do well. I...

” – Heidi from Upland, IN

Simmons University is a private, liberal arts university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Simmons offers a women’s undergraduate education in 60+ majors and programs, as well as four graduate schools for its co-ed graduate population. The university...

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My classes at Simmons have proved to be exciting and stimulating, and there are also a lot of social opportunities at Simmons. This includes frequent events such as plays, movie nights, sporting events, city outings, special guests and more. Not to...

” – Anne from Philadelphia

Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City University is a 4-year liberal arts and sciences university in Oklahoma’s capital city. OKCU hosts 10 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 70 academic majors. For...

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I feel that I am challenged by several of my teachers. My English composition teacher Ms. Keller really helped me learn how to write a cohesive and interesting essay. My public speaking teacher helped me get over my fear of formally speaking in front...

” – Shavonne from Oklahoma City, OK

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...

” – Antoinette from Washington, DC

Saint Mary’s College is a private, Catholic, women’s college in Notre Dame, IN with a focus on “creating leaders & women of action.” The college offers more than 50 academic programs, which include six nationally accredited programs, and four...

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My current intended major is Nursing, but I'm learning so many other great things that I feel more informed about the world than ever before. Not only is St. Mary's good at teaching her students about the past, but also on keeping us updated about...

” – Allison from Battle Creek, MI

Founded by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1887, Cedarville University is a 4-year Baptist school in southwest Ohio. Cedarville offers undergraduate degrees in more than 150 biblically integrated academic programs and each program features a...

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Cedarville University has much to offer its students in everything from academics to volunteer ministry opportunities. Its faculty are all top notch, with most having their doctorate in their chosen fields. They are all passionate about teaching and...

” – Melody from De Pere, WI

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

Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is a 4-year women’s liberal arts college in western Massachusetts. The oldest college among the Seven Sisters, Mount Holyoke grants undergraduate degrees in 48 academic majors and also gives students the...

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Mount Holyoke is a great school with great facilities. There is also a great 5 College consortium that allows you to further expand your depth of knowledge and connections with students/professors in your field. The small class sizes give students a...

” – Nia

Founded in 1842, Willamette University is a liberal arts institution in northwest Oregon and the oldest university in the western half of the United States. Willamette’s College of Liberal Arts offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic fields...

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Each day at Willamette I have anywhere from two to five hours of class, at least this semester, and for each class I come out learning something new. Of course some days I learn more than others, but everyday I go to class I know that I will learn a...

” – Zachery from California

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

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The University of Dallas is a small, private Catholic institution based in Irving, Texas. The school offers programs in business, liberal arts, and ministry. A majority (approximately 80%) of students participate in the Rome study abroad programs. It...

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This University is definitely a challenge. You will learn to make connections between two or more subjects you're studying simultaneously, and can therefore more easily apply your knowledge to everyday life and your future career...UD is big on the...

” – Amanda from Clint, TX

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Messiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...

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Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...

” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major

Ohio Northern University is a private institution based in Ada, OH, associated with the United Methodist Church. ONU is a sister university of a private school in Seoul, South Korea, the Dankook University. ONU offers one of the only pharmacy...

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Smaller school but a lot of majors to choose from. Teachers will take an interest in their students

” – HS Senior looking for the right college

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a 4-year public institution based in Baltimore and part of the University of Maryland system. UMBC is home to seven colleges and schools hosting over 55 undergraduate degree-granting programs. In...

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I did not expect to learn much due to entering this college with AP credits, but I have still learned many new things due to the immense variety of classes. In my internship, 90% or more of my daily activities were taught.

” – Roxanne from Glen Burnie, MD

The University of Mary is a 4-year Benedictine university in the North Dakota state capital of Bismarck and the only Catholic university in the state. Mary grants undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors. In addition to classroom facilities...

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As a music major, I am incredibly pleased with the music faculty. They are incredibly knowledgeable, and are very willing to help in everything they can. Other professors are just as willing to do so and are fully qualified to teach their subjects...

” – Taylor from Mayville, ND

Founded in 1842, Hollins University is a 4-year liberal arts university for women and the first all-female institution chartered in Virginia. Hollins confers undergraduate degrees in 28 fields of study and all undergraduate programs are open only to...

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Classes are so interesting here and the professors really care about the students. Class sizes are small so everybody can participate. No worries about stating your mind or giving your opinion; open discussion is expected.

” – Katy

Founded in 1823, Union University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts institution in west Tennessee and the oldest university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union confers undergraduate degrees in over 100 Christ-centered...

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The academics are wonderful. Not only do you have professors who are top notch in their field but you have professors who care about you as a person. I have learned so much because the professors are willing to sit down with you outside of class...

” – Megan from Springfield, VA

Established in 1831, The University of Alabama is a four-year research institution in Tuscaloosa and the oldest and largest public university in the state. UA features 12 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 70 fields of study...

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This college is great for hands-on experience and in class learning. The teachers really care and are very knowledgeable in the area they teach. I have been able to take advantage of my teachers' office hours and really get to know them. I learned...

” – Brittney from Birmingham, AL

John Carroll University is a Jesuit Catholic university located near Cleveland, Ohio. JCU offers more than 70 academic programs in the arts, sciences, and business that carry out the vision of creating inspired leaders who strive to increase the...

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jcu is rigorous depending on the classes/major you study, but overall it is challenging to a degree that helps you learn, but it's not so challenging that finals are impossible.

” – brad

Francis Marion University is a public institution focused on liberal arts education. It is located in Florence, South Carolina, and is one of the most affordable colleges in the state. FMU has several partnerships with international colleges and...

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I have learn a lot of different things at FMU, from academics to personal life. I have learned how important and high level education is and I have learned that everyone is not your friend. Education is something that no one can take away from you...

” – Shauntavia from North Charleston, SC

New College of Florida is a public liberal arts and sciences institution and honors college situated in Sarasota, FL. It is part of the State University System of Florida and has been rated as having a “more selective” admissions process. Favored...

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New College of Florida was founded by independent thinkers for independent thinkers. The academic program here requires a student who is capable of taking on full responsibility for his or her education. Although, NCF students are notorious for their...

” – Rebekah from Lake Panasoffkee, FL