Earlham College
Richmond, IN, USA

Reviews

Earlham College

Hosanna from Richmond, IN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Amazing and wonderful school with a great pride in community and friendship. Very academically rigorous and quite rewarding. A large variety of classes and majors are available with very helpful professors to guide you throughout your time here
Tips for prospective students
Prepare to study and work hard here but also expect to have fun and create friendships that last. The community here is quite amazing and it's truly a blessing to be apart of it. Also, you may want to make sure you have funds to stock up on groceries and snack foods for those late-night study parties, although Dominos is always an option.
Academic Rigor
This college is very rigorous and many classes assign large amounts of homework. If you haven't already, learn good time management and do your homework, or try to, the day/night it is assigned. This will make your time at Earlham a lot more enjoyable and much less stressful.
Dorm Life
The dorms are wonderful and well-maintained. People as a whole are pretty respectful of their neighbors and are quick to change something if it is bothering you. Often during the course of a month there will be events and study groups where food is offered or where you can make food and hang out with your floormates or simply just have fun. Earlham has a wonderful community and the dorms express that in a much smaller and more intimate way.
Food and Dining
The dining hall, fondly known as SAGA to Earlhamites, always has many choices for food, including a large selection of vegetarian options. There is always pizza and salad options, and the main line usually has very popular options available.
Bang for the buck
Earlham is EXTREMELY expensive and scholarships are the only reason that I, personally, was able to come here. It is an amazing and wonderful school but i hesitate to say that it's worth the same amount as Harvard.
Greek Life
We do not have sororities or fraternities, just group houses for people of like minds ie knit house, Spanish house, Japan House, etc.
Campus Safety
Completely safe and well looked after. The campus security drive rounds throughout the day and can be reached by phone in case of emergency.

Gabrielle from Detroit, MI

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Definitely a school that values academics. Because the school puts a high priority on them, you will need to prioritize your academics as well. The classes are challenging, but not too rough and all the teachers really have your best interests at heart and are always willing to help.
Dorm Life
Depending on where you live, you will either see/talk to your dorm mates all the time, or barely ever. In general dorm life is a real positive at Earlham. There is a big focus on community and sharing spaces.
Food and Dining
Definitely not the best all around. The menu's are posted weekly and we have the option of meal exchange to eat a tastier (albeit less healthy) option. Most students don't like the food but there are a decent amount of options.
Bang for the buck
Earlham is really expensive but it's totally worth it. They offer a lot of financial aid, most of my friends here essentially came because it offered the best financial aid package. The things the school does for us and the academics prove why the school costs so much. You get what you pay for here, and that's an amazing education and community life.

Raven from South Bend, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The professors here are very fun and understanding. They're there to help you with whatever you need. They have high expectations and trust that you'll meet them.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved. There are many clubs and activities to get involved in that fit everyone's interest and needs. If you don't see one fit to your personality, create one!
Academic Rigor
The workload and the content aren't easy, but you can find help anywhere on campus with whatever assignment!
Dorm Life
The dorm life is amazing. You can always connect with people in your dorms. If not, walk to other dorms and explore the people and social lives there!
Food and Dining
The food isn't always the best, but there is a wide variety of food there and surrounding foods places around the campus.
What to do for fun
There's always offered study breaks and activities to do on campus. Look at the flyers around you and see what Earlham has to offer that day or night!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's EC Skits (you'll see!), Streaking Candy Giveaways in Lily Library. You'll have to see for yourself.
Clubs and Activities
Definitely Dance Alloy! Do it!
Campus Safety
Campus is usually safe. If you need help with anything or feel unsafe at any point, security is always around to help.

Jese from Richmond, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Focused on social justice, both in history and in present application, Earlham is an excellent beginning for the social entrepreneur. This stems from deep Quaker values, which help to stimulate the embracing of wider values across all cultures. Many different opportunities exist for the Earlham graduate, both due to the valued education one receives but also because of the wide support of past alumni.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to do research on what degree you plan on receiving, and if you are a transfer student, be sure to check with the registrar about what credits will actually be accepted.
Academic Rigor
This is a very tuff school that isn't built on just personal competitiveness but rather founded on a collaborative effort amongst one's fellow peers.
Dorm Life
Lots of fun activities and clubs to become member of.
Food and Dining
Excellent array of food and dining opportunities.
What to do for fun
Only one hour from Indianapolis, one hour from Cincinnati, and four hours from Chicago... there is always something to do!
Bang for the buck
Students are very sought after by graduate schools.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The hash - google it.
Great for these types of students
Jocks to nerds... to hippies... all fit in.
Greek Life
None.

Raven from Columbus, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
In a scale from one through 10, Earlham College is a 10 because of the high expectations on the academic piece. Earlham is a very challenging but doable college. The professors know there students names and they are always willing to work one on one with their students.
Tips for prospective students
Use your time properly. Focus on studying and class work before parties and hanging out because the parties will not you your degree. At the same time, have fun and enjoy the experience.
Academic Rigor
The academic level is very high and it is extremely amazing how much you learn at Earlham and how you learn it. I have no regrets what so ever.
Dorm Life
Very spacious and comfortable. There is never to much noise. You are always able to sleep and study because your neighbors as very understanding and they are needing to do the same things you are.
Food and Dining
For the most part food is very good. There is a cafeteria as well as a coffee shop and there are plenty of options. Our cafeteria has a vegan room for those who are vegan.
What to do for fun
There are always fun activities on campus like concerts, parties and get togethers. There is always something to do. We also have study breaks as well. Study breaks are activities that happen to get you time take a break from studying.

Rising Senior

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Earlham is a school with a passionate student body and amazing professors. The community is unlike anything I have ever experienced before, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to talk to profs or students if/when you visit! Mostly everyone is really nice and will be honest with you about their experience and if they think Earlham would be good for you. Make up any weak spots in your application with an essay that really shows your character, integrity and genuineness are important and valued here.
Academic Rigor
Tough as nails, but also what you make of it. I work my butt off and have taken a lot of different classes to challenge myself. Some people just kinda skate by, but you do you. If you're looking for a good education, you can definitely get one here.
Dorm Life
Okay, so Res Life kinda sucks BUT my experience living in the dorms has been great. I think most of the dorms are pretty nice with the exception of Hoerner, but you get used to it if you do end up living there. Doing laundry in Warren or Wilson is a drag because there's one machine in each building. The theme & friendship houses are sort of falling apart, but they're kind of a cool thing. Earlham is also stepping up their dorm game and they're going to be offering more suite-style dorms next year. So overall I'd say it's a pretty decent set up.
Food and Dining
We've gone through a lot of dining changes during my time here, and once you've been here for a while you get kinda sick of the food. The red hot chef has saved me. Late night chais and smoothies from the coffee shop have also gotten me through some rough times lol. It can be rough if you have a lot of dietary restrictions, but it's easy for your schedule to get packed and not have a lot of time for cooking so bear that in mind. The number of dinning options around campus sucks. Marsh, Dominos, and the Sunshine Cafe will be come your home because there's basically nothing else. Welcome to small town, Indiana. No matter how sick of it you get, it will grow on you and you'll miss late night Marsh runs when you leave.
What to do for fun
Just chill. The depo district is pretty cool if you wanna get off campus but don't wanna go too far. If you have a car or know someone with one you can do more stuff for sure, Dayton has a decent mall especially compared to Richmond. Go to hash at least once, even if you don't smoke or drink. Go on a little excursion back campus every now and again, it is beautiful in the fall. Swing on a swing, play games with your friends, and GO TO CAMPUS EVENTS!!! SAB works hard and cool people often come to campus. Enjoy it, you're paying for it anyways.
Bang for the buck
I come from a very low income family and Earlham has been incredible with financial aid. Accounting can be stressful, and prepare for your tuition to go up over the years, but overall they can be very, very generous. Thank you, wealth alumni!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Hash = parties in the woods. The football field is also a good place to stargaze (a perk of being in the middle of nowhere). The Heart is our version of a quad and while its kind of inconvenient, kicking back on one of those white chairs or a blanket with your friends after a long day of classes is honestly so nice. Oh, and the steam tunnels that run under campus, like hash, go at least once.
Great for these types of students
Dedicated, passionate, curious, ambitious. Ask questions, get in debates. Earlham has a reputation for being a hippy-dippy liberal school, and I mean it's not wrong. Just don't come here if you think you know everything (regardless of political views), because I garuntee you will learn a lot if you listen to people and keep at least somewhat of an open mind.
Clubs and Activities
Plenty to do. You'll find your niche.
Campus Safety
I pretty much always feel safe on campus and public safety is very chill (depending on the person). Some lighting could be better, and you might get a little spooked walking back from Carpenter alone. Just keep your guard up and notify pub safe if anything seems suspicious. Have their emergency number in your phone, because you never know and they're pretty quick, even if you just got locked out somewhere.

Emily from Nineveh, IN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Earlham College is an home to an open-minded community that wishes to help to better the world.
Earlham College has an intensive and accredited Japanese Studies program, and Earlham in general is influenced by Japanese culture.
Earlham's academics are intimate and involved, as your has small class sizes, and refer to your professors by their first names.
Tips for prospective students
Come to Earlham open-minded. Expect to learn a lot about social justice, and have conversations about how you can help others. Since there is so much diversity on campus, be respectful of other cultures, and prepare to learn from and adjust to others.
Academic Rigor
Since the classes are so small, your teachers will know what workloads to give to the class. Education is about immersion, and learning, not only about letter grades. But the academics aren't so rigorous that you'll feel too overwhelmed.
Dorm Life
Everyone is generally very warm and considerate here. There won't often be any fights. Most people live in dorms.
Food and Dining
It's college food. Although there are good options for vegans and vegetarians.
What to do for fun
A lot of discussions happen here. But there are also house parties every weekend, if you wish to find them. Mostly, everyone is involved with 1 or 2 extracurricular activities, so people are busy with those.
Bang for the buck
Although Earlham is expensive, for the quality and personalized education you get here, it's hard to beat.
Great for these types of students
Social justice advocates or open-minded people. Culturally-interested people.
Campus Safety
I feel really safe here, and security is always reminding people that they are always here to help.