Coe College
Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

Reviews

Coe College

Clara

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the people of coe are very friendly and there are many ways to get involved. the teachers are always willing to help out if you need it. the campus is beautiful and kept clean.
Tips for prospective students
It is a small campus! You will run into the same people everywhere, including that person that you partied with 3 weeks ago.
Ask your teachers for help! They are more than willing to give plenty of it! Also, take advantage of the free tutors available through AAP.
Academic Rigor
it depends a little on the classes you take. there are some teachers who require a huge amount of effort and time from you, but most others require what i find to be manageable amounts. most of the homework load is manageable.
Dorm Life
the dorms are cleaned daily except for over the weekends. also, the different dorm choices make it so anyone can be happy. if you want to have a quiet time, murray is the best choice. the freshman dorm, armstrong, can be loud. greene, the boys-only dorm is most definitely known to have crazy things happen there. vorhees, the girls-only dorm has a more at-home, relaxed feeling. douglas is basically just an older (sophomores) version of armstrong. There are also apartments and other housing options available for sophomores and up, but are highly sought after and hard to get.
Food and Dining
there are two options for meals: 1) the cafeteria and 2) charlie's pub (the pub). the cafeteria is open mon-thurs 7:15am-8:30pm, fri 7:15am-6:30pm (closed 2:30-4pm). they stop serving hot food between 9-11am, and often close before 8:30, generally at 7:30. they are also open on sat 8-9am; 11:30-1pm; 5-6pm, and sun 10:45am-12:45pm; 5-6pm. the food choices are limited, and often the meat is not cooked all the way. however, you can generally find something you are willing to eat. the pub is open mon-thurs 7:30am-11pm, fri 7:30am-3pm, closed sat, sun 4pm-11pm. the grill is only open for dinner, but sometimes is a nice alternative to going to the cafeteria. the grill food is not really healthy, so try to only eat there maybe once a week. the rest of the pub is basically like a mini-convenience store, mostly food (although they do have batteries and whatnot). it is overpriced, but as long as you use coe cash it does not really matter.
What to do for fun
there are plenty of clubs to join, some being rugcutters (dancing), ultimate frisbee, and environmental club. also the student activities committee (sac) plans many entertaining events that students can go to. these are generally loads of fun and worth going to (and free!). also, there is the usual college entertainment of parties. If you have a car (or a friend with a car) there are plenty of nearby activities that are loads of fun, such as the Newbo Market, some museums, and a new and improved library.
Clubs and Activities
there are a great number of clubs and activities here already, and if you can't find one that fits you, you can always start a new one.
Greek Life
the greek life here are very involved. all that i have met have been very nice and welcoming. some of the groups often plan social events that everyone (even non-greeks) can go to.
Campus Safety
there have only been rare isolated issues with trouble, but students have never been hurt because of them. everyone has coe's security number plus there are security phones all around campus. it is very safe.

Katie

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors really care that you are involved in class and that you benefit from class time as much as possible. There are so many resources that students can take advantage of which makes it very possible to succeed as long as you want to.
Am enjoying being here
There is such a friendly environment because the campus is so small and it feels like everyone knows everyone. Also, it is very easy to get involved on campus if you know what you want to do or want to try new things.
Bang for the buck
Coe is expensive, but they have amazing scholarships and I know that I won't have a problem getting a job by the time I graduate. The price tag seems ridiculous at first, but wait until after you view your scholarship package before you cross it off your list just because of price.
Tips for prospective students
Just apply because the sooner you do, the sooner you can find scholarships and have opportunities to visit campus and meet teams and coaches. Getting a feel for the campus is really important so if you have the chance, take advantage of it!
Great for these types of students
-Those who want to play college sports but can't decide on just one sport and/or really want to focus on academics as well.
-People who really want a community feel.
-Students that want real feedback from professors.
-Students dedicated to their work- it's not a place where you can just skate by!

Jaime from Arvada, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Coe has small class sizes, and the Professors really care about each student, you can't match this in a large University. Every class I am enrolled in here at Coe is enriching and has opened my eyes to new possibilities and new frontiers of learning.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful and the people are ridiculously friendly. This was by far the best college out of my choices.
Bang for the buck
It's not the cheapest option, but the classes, the scholarships, and everything out here is all worth it. Coe is very generous with their scholarships.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit! There is nothing like staying on campus for a day or two. Definitely helps in the decision making process.
Great for these types of students
Great for students that like the small-school environment. Coe is a fantastic school that has challenging academics, competitive athletics, and great people.

Natasha from N Muskegon, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I visited around ten schools and Coe won in terms of classwork hands down. Nowhere else did teachers seem as caring and students as engaged as here, even in more expensive, prestigious liberal arts schools.
Will enjoy being here
Everyone I met at Coe was really friendly, and it didn't feel like it was just because I was a prospie. In fact, this is the only place I didn't feel singled out for special treatment BECAUSE I was a prospie. I really got to see what the people were like, and what they were was REALLY nice and genuine.
Bang for the buck
Coe is really expensive. There. That's been said. But their scholarships are amazing. I wish I had applied sooner, but even applying only a couple weeks before deadline, I managed to get 2/3 of the cost covered just by the school.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early!

Visit campus. I had no idea I would love Coe this much until I visited.

They send out a lot of mail. Don't be scared of that, either.
Great for these types of students
-people who are willing to explore a lot
-people who like sports but don't want it to dominate their life
-art students

Leeann from Mount Vernon, IA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Coe is a great place to plug in and make new connections. The professors here give a lot of personalized attention and actually care, and there are lots of incredible opportunities. You receive a great education by having a lot of fun,
Tips for prospective students
You really need to plan an overnight stay. There are lots of small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, and at first they all seem pretty similar. An overnight stay can often give you an idea of the REAL flavor of a school and the differences between other schools. My overnight stay definitely cemented my decision to attend Coe.
Academic Rigor
Coe is a very academically rigorous school. That being said, you can fit your schedule to be academically rigorous in your areas of specialty.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at Coe really depends on which dorm you decide to live in. Coe is a 4-year residential campus, which means that everyone typically stays on weekends and there is a lot to do. There are basically _ options for housing. You can live in Armstrong (the all-freshman party dorm), Voorhees (the all girls dorm, its pretty quiet and chill), Greene (the all-male dorm, again lots of parties), Murray (an artsy dorm with a lot of foreign exchange students), Douglas (a co-ed dorm of all ages attached to Armstrong), or the apartments on campus (limited to upperclassmen). Your dorm experience really depends on which dorm you choose. I live in Voorhees and love it, because it is quiet and a great place to study. The only downside to Voorhees is that it is less social than dorm life.
Food and Dining
The food at the cafeteria isn't bad, but it isn't very good either. There are lots of options that change every day, but there are some options that stay constant every day as well. We also have access to the PUB, a restaurant style dining center. We can use Coe Cash here if we're too tired of the Cafeteria. (They make a killer grilled cheese)
What to do for fun
There's lots to do at Coe, on weeknights and on weekends. On weekends there are lots of parties and that sort of thing, but SAC (the student activities committee) provides lots of other sober options as well. There are concerts, and poetry readings, and pumpkin carvings, and t shirt dying, free bowling, and lots of other events all free to Coe students.
Bang for the buck
There are so many unusual opportunities at Coe that you wouldn't have anywhere else. I attribute these opportunities to our incredible staff. The professors and faculty here really do care about the students, and will do anything they can to help and make sure you get the most out of your education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well, as a Writing Center Consultant I have to advocate for our incredible Writing Center at Coe. We have the largest student-run Writing Center in the country, and conferences are free to all Coe students. The Writing Center is a really cool place to hang out, and there is often free food and coffee.
Great for these types of students
Students who are motivated, ready to get involved, like to have fun (but can balance it with schoolwork), and are looking for a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many opportunities to get involved in here at Coe. There are lots of options for sports, whether it be officially or through intramurals. But there are also lots of artsy options, like art club or theater. Coe is also very open to students starting their own clubs, so if there's an opportunity Coe doesn't already have, you have the ability to start a club yourself.
Greek Life
Greek Life is alive and well at Coe. I went through formal recruitment for sororities this year, and while I decided not to join any of the sororities, it was still a great experience. It's an awesome way to meet people and I would recommend that all new students go through rush.
Campus Safety
Coe is located in a relatively sketchy area of Cedar Rapids. That being said, Coe is in it's own little bubble. I have always felt safe, and unless you're wandering around off campus drunk late at night there's really nothing to worry about.

gabrielle from council bluffs, ia

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
coe college is such an accepting college. everyone here is so nice and fun. the staff is incredible, although the classes are hard the professors really want you to succeed and they help so much. the staff here is awesome.
Tips for prospective students
take a visit, maybe even more than once. on my second visit i knew this is where i wanted to go, it just felt like home and the people were wonderful to me.
Academic Rigor
classes are hard but when you work hard you see results and the professors and staff are so helpful
Dorm Life
dorms are good and there is ac and heat. but like every other dorm room they can get messy.
Food and Dining
there is so many options in the cafeteria and the campus even has a pub. food sometimes can get old but every place can.
What to do for fun
there is so much to do on campus. there are parties if you are into that. there are so many clubs. the pub gas so many activities. the campus provides so much to do all week in all areas of interest.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
flunk day- day of activities and drinking and classes get cancelled.
Great for these types of students
hard woring
Clubs and Activities
so many different clubs and organizations are available.
Greek Life
there are lots of sororities and fraternities. there is wings for each sorority and fraternity in the all girls and all boys dorms.
Campus Safety
is surrounded by a rough neighborhood but security is available 24/7 and will help you with anything even it is walking you back at night from the library or parking lot.

Danielle from Milton, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Everyone here is very welcoming and they do their very best to make it your home away from home. The campus is on the smaller side, but the perfect fit for someone who is looking for a small campus. I would recommend this college to any of my friends that is looking to get a great degree.
Tips for prospective students
I would prepare for the cold if you are not one that has experienced the cold before. It can get pretty chilly while walking to class. Do not worry if you come to college with out a plan of action. The professors here will be more than helpful to direct you to different areas that might best suit you.
Academic Rigor
The classes here definitely prepare you for the working world. They put you to work, but if you are struggling there are ample opportunities to get help through the campus. They have a writing center and a free tutor center.
Dorm Life
The dorms are not spectacular, but they do give you the traditional college experience.
Food and Dining
They are continually trying to make their food better in every way possible. The staff is very friendly and they will be accommodating if you ask.
What to do for fun
I hang out with friends, walk downtown, there is a river near by that is fun to walk down to, there is a farmers market downtown.

Anna from Longmont, CO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Incredible individualized education for students. Coe prepares students with phenomenal education while also creating a cohesive community that becomes apart of the Coe College experience. I couldn't imagine being happier than at Coe College which has truly become my second home.
Tips for prospective students
Come for an overnight stay with a current student, it's the best way to get a feel for Coe and whether it's the right fit for you. The Coe community is something that is truly unique and you can feel assured that you will be accepted. Also try to meet a professor in your area of intended study, each professor is highly knowledgeable in their field and are highly approachable.
Academic Rigor
I am constantly challenged with the content of my studies which is very important to me. If something is too easy I don't really learn much, but I can gladly say that after each class I take I feel like I have learned something valuable.
Dorm Life
I absolutely love living in the dorms. I love being so close to all of my friends and it's a great way to meet new people. Coe is unique in the fact that you are required to live on campus all four years, but I love that because I have become so connected to the Coe community that I wouldn't want to live off campus.
Food and Dining
The food is average. While it's not the worst, it's not the best either. Sometimes the food options do not have the best variety.
What to do for fun
Coe is great in the activities offered on campus. There are late night movies some Friday nights for free, there is a campus variety show every few weeks where you can do anything for five minutes and not be judged, and those are just the regular activities. Campus constantly has a variety of activities throughout the year to keep your weekends busy.
Bang for the buck
Coe offers crazy amounts of scholarships and the wonderful experience and education I am getting at Coe is mind blowing. I can't imagine getting such an amazing education for my tuition anywhere else.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On your first day of orientation week the freshman ring this great big bell we have on campus. It signifies the start of your experience at Coe and when you graduate you ring the bell again to signify the end of your journey at Coe. Also during finals week the school puts on a late night breakfast where the professors serve you breakfast at midnight!
Clubs and Activities
Coe offers so many different clubs and activities that it is impossible not to get involved and become more integrated in the Coe and Cedar Rapids community. Everything from Gay Straight Alliance to Service Learning to Student Activities Committee that puts on campus events is offered.
Greek Life
I am apart of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority at Coe College and it is the best decision I have ever made. I think Greek Life at Coe is the shining star of the community. Greek life enhances me everyday providing me with leadership skills, social skills, and philanthropic service to name a few. People involved in Greek Life at Coe College tend to have a higher GPA across campus and constantly give back to the Cedar Rapids community. I would highly recommend at least trying it out, there is an organization for everyone at Coe.
Campus Safety
Campus is very safe with security that you can call anytime to escort you anywhere on campus you may need to go at anytime of day or night.