Dance, General

A dance degree is the culmination of higher education-level training in this area of the performing arts and it implies theoretical and technical mastery of the craft. At all colleges and universities, the dance degree incorporates workshop classes and performances in several styles of dance as well as a comprehensive education in subjects like dance history and theory. Students interested in majoring in this subject can study at one of many 4-year colleges with dance majors or they can choose to pursue their studies at specialized arts or dance colleges. 

Is a Dance Degree Worth It?

While a dance degree is not a requirement to audition and land a role with a successful company, there are still many professional benefits to earning one. For starters, completing a dance degree provides access to a large network of fellow dancers, choreographers, and alumni in the industry who can help land jobs in the real world. 

The curriculum involved in a dance degree also prepares dancers for a life in the industry as many of the best dance colleges in the US run their departments as if they were professional companies. Students will get a sense of the requirements and responsibilities required to be a professional dancer and this will help them stand out on the jobs they eventually land. Plus, because many dance companies mount shows featuring a blending of styles, a wide ranging dance education will help train students to get ahead by familiarizing them with many different genres of this art form.

Would I Make a Good Dance Major?

Dance can be a rigorous and strenuous performing art, requiring precise movements, balance, and graceful leaps. With that in mind, you need to be in good physical shape in order to take part in a dance program for four years. This doesn’t mean that you need to possess a stereotypical “dancer body” but you need to be able to perform for long periods of time without getting winded. Regular exercise is a necessity and you’ll need to practice good nutrition habits and learn proper warm up technique in order to prevent injury.

A dance major also requires a large time commitment during every semester. In addition to classroom work, studying, and putting together dance projects for workshop classes, you’ll also be expected to participate in dance concerts throughout the school year. This will require numerous rehearsals during the week and you’ll have to get used to doing schoolwork around this schedule. During tech week, expect to spend most of your night in the theater.

Auditions are a large part of being a professional dancer and a large part of that process is learning to deal with not landing the role you want. With that in mind, you’ll need to develop an ability to process disappointment in a healthy way and not let that prevent you from getting up and trying again. So when you’re in college, try to audition for as many shows as possible so that you can get used to the process.

Associate Level

Many community and junior colleges offer a dance program for artistically inclined students. The associate degree in dance is designed for graduates to transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete a bachelor of fine arts in the field. As such, the associate degree curriculum provides a foundational education in dance covering subjects such as technique, theory, and history. The associate degree in dance also provides instruction and performance experience in styles like ballet, jazz, and modern. 

An associate degree can usually be completed in two years and previous performance experience is often a prerequisite. Classes at the associate level include: dance production, dance history, choreography basics, social dance, and modern dance.

Baccalaureate Level

A bachelor’s degree program in dance covers a comprehensive education in numerous styles and techniques. For students who pursue a dance performance degree at a performing arts or dance academy, an audition is usually required for admission. 

Other students attending a liberal arts college can earn drama and dance degrees without an audition and the two performing arts are sometimes headquartered within the same department. At such colleges, crossover between the fields often takes place with dancers taking drama classes and actors enrolling in dance courses. Additionally, bachelor’s degree programs frequently host visiting dance instructors and professional choreographers for special workshops.

Performance classes at the baccalaureate level cover styles like ballet, jazz, and modern dance. The bachelor’s degree curriculum also features a comprehensive education in dance theory, production, and composition. Most colleges and universities are home to dance ensembles staging concerts throughout the school year and all dance students are expected to audition for these performances. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience on the technical side of a dance concert by participating on lighting and sound crews or as assistant stage managers.

For students who want to teach dance after graduation, there are a few colleges and universities that offer a specialized dance education degree at the bachelor’s level. However, these two subjects are usually offered as separate majors at most institutions of higher learning.

Classes at the bachelor’s degree level include: choreography, dance history, dance kinesiology, rhythmic analysis, dance improvisation, and ethnic dance styles.

Examples of Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Include: Professional Dancer, Dance Teacher, Dance Fitness Instructor, Dance Coach, Stage Manager, Dance Writer, Yoga Teacher, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Public School Teacher.

The average Professional Dancer salary ranges from $10,000 to $60,000. However, jobs in this field are very scarce and the industry is incredibly competitive. Most graduates pursuing a career as a professional dancer have to hold a day job to pay the bills. For other positions, the average salary ranges from $41,000 (Fitness Instructor, Dance Teacher) and $49,000 (Stage Manager, Massage Therapist) to $60,000 (Personal Trainer, Public School Teacher).

The American College Dance Association

The American College Dance Association serves to provide networking opportunities in the field of college dance and an opportunity to gain national exposure for their talents. ACDA is a non-profit organization whose membership is made up of students, scholars, teachers, and artists. The Association oversees regional conferences in 13 geographic divisions throughout the country as well as a biennial national conference. These events consist of workshops, master classes, performances, and panels. Membership and conference registration require a fee.

Graduate Level

For students who want a comprehensive education in a specific style of dance or a subject related to the field, certain colleges and universities offer programs at the master’s degree level. These programs are highly competitive and usually accept only a few students per year. Classes at the master’s degree level are small and provide individualized instruction. In addition, the master’s degree curriculum includes master classes with professionals in the dance field and opportunities to perform in ensembles directed by guest artists. A master’s degree program culminates in a dance project that functions as a graduate thesis. Classes at the master’s degree level include: movement analysis, advanced ballet, dancing biomechanics, dance technology, and dance pedagogy.

The graduate level also features degrees in specialized disciplines within the field of dance. Certain colleges offer a dance therapy degree at the master’s level. The curriculum for these programs includes studies on dance in health & healing, therapeutic movement, and body/mind integration. These programs also include hands-on learning opportunities through internships and fieldwork. 

Examples of Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Dance Include: Dance Therapist, Choreographer, Dance Notator, Grant Writer, Marketing Manager for a Dance Company, Social Media Manager for a Dance Company, Artist Manager, and Sports Trainer.

The average salary for these positions ranges from $38,000 (Choreographer) to $44,000 (Dance Therapist, Grant Writer) to $68,000 (Artist Manager).

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Colleges

Henry Ford College

Henry Ford College is a public, 2-year institution established in Dearborn, Michigan. Along with its main campus, the college also maintains a smaller, secondary location to the east. The main campus features a variety of facilities to enhance the...

“…

Henry Ford CC has done alot lately to make it more student friendly. The new Welcome Center now houses most student services in one building. The teachers are dedicated professionals, who are focused on the well being of their students.

” – Amanda from Sterling Heights, MI
Westminster College

Westminster University is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 32-acre campus is just 10 minutes from the downtown business district and features five undergraduate colleges, as well as four graduate institutions...

“…

Westminster College is a very challenging school. I feel like I am learning so much more than I would be in a larger school because I am able to interact with other students and professors both during and after classes. All of the professors have...

” – Karen from West Jordan, UT
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Paradise Valley Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, Arizona, with a satellite facility located in Scottsdale. The college offers over 60 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and Certificate of Completion...

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I know many preconceptions about community colleges revolve around them not providing the same quality of education as the big universities do, but I'm happy to report that those judgements are sadly incorrect. From learning how to successfully...

” – Stephanie from Phoenix, AZ
Anderson University

Anderson University is a private, liberal arts institution located in Anderson, Indiana, and it is affiliated with the Christian Church of God. AU’s mission is to educate for a life of faith and service in the church and society through their five...

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The professors at Anderson are all top-quality. Each professor is fully knowledgeable about their subject matter. I was especially impressed my my first history teacher, who bombarded me with everything anyone could ever possibly know about Rome's...

” – Jordan from Liberty Twp, OH
SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY at Purchase College is a 4-year public school in the New York City metro area and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Purchase is home to schools of The Arts, Liberal Arts & Humanities, and Liberal Studies granting bachelor’s...

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This is a great college for anyone studying any of the Visual Arts. There are endless resources available.

” – Kara from Purchase, NY
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Skyline College is a 2-year community college that groups a number of related fields of study into four concentrations called Meta Majors—the equivalent of academic departments. Skyline employs counselors specializing in each Meta Major and several...

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i am leanring alot about myself at skyline beacuse it gives me the chance to get to know myself and what type of course i can handle and i also teaches me how to be indepent.i learned how to transition from a high schol student to a productive...

” – jalisa from daly city , CA
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South Mountain Community College is a 2-year institution in Phoenix. Over 70 percent of its enrollment is made up of first-generation college students and SMCC is federally designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution. SMCC is home to five academic...

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south mountain community college is an awesome school. it is safe and a well rounded of staff. i would not choose any other college!

” – michelle from phoenix, az
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With a campus overlooking Chaplin Lake, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a 4-year public school in northwest Louisiana. NSU confers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 20 academic programs of study. In addition, NSU makes 40 degree...

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I am a journalism major and have already learned a lot in my freshman year. The journalism department, along with the other departments at NSU, believes the best way to teach is through the classroom AND practice. My department has four or five...

” – Marlowe from Natchitoches, LA
The University of Texas at El Paso

Founded in 1914, The University of Texas at El Paso is a 4-year public institution situated on the US-Mexico border and the second-oldest school in the UT system. With a majority Mexican-American student body, UTEP is home to 10 colleges conferring...

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Classes are enjoyable, challenging, and most teachers do a great job in keeping the class interested in course material.

” – Daniel from El Paso, TX
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The College of Marin is a public, 2-year institution established in California, with two facilities located in Kentfield and Novato. COM offers more than 40 associate’s degrees and certificates, many of which include courses that are available online...

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public institution in western Pennsylvania and a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. With campus nestled in the rolling hills of the region, Slippery Rock...

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Upon coming here in the fall of 2009, I never anticipated learning as much as I am now. One nice thing about this school is that all of your courses relate in some way. I found myself learning the same concepts, from different perspectives which...

” – Lindsay from Mc Kees Rocks, PA
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Laney College is a 2-year community college in Oakland. Laney offers classes in over 100 academic departments as well as 44 associate degree programs, 13 of which are eligible for transfer to a 4-year institution. Recently, Laney received a $125...

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Raritan Valley Community College is a public 2-year institution established in Branchburg, New Jersey. Students at RVCC can enroll in a variety of academic programs, including their many degree and certificate programs, the Honors College, and the...

CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College is a public institution affiliated with the City University of New York system and based in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Lehman College is part of the College...

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This is a truly beautiful campus that somehow makes you think you are way out of the city. And...only a street away from the #4 Subway and 3 away from the D. It offers such a wide variety of programs and degrees: the arts, sciences, humanities...

” – Ahamed from Elmhurst, NY
The University of Montana

With a campus settled at the base of Mount Sentinel, the University of Montana is a 4-year public school in western Montana and the flagship institution of the Montana University System. UM is home to 13 colleges and schools granting undergraduate...

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I only completed a year of general studies at the U of M, but the range of choices I had was great. In each class I had to work for my grades, but when the year was over, I felt like I had learned a lot.

” – Molly from Kinsey, MT
Bard College at Simon's Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock is an early college with “more selective” admissions where high school students can enroll before graduation. The average age at entry is 16. Simon’s Rock is based in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and provides a...

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Even though it is the most stress a person can endure, any amount of time at this school is worth it. The professors are incredible and have so much wisdom to share. The community of students also makes every class a unique experience.

” – Andro
Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey Peninsula College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of California. Along with the main campus in Monterey, MPC also maintains learning centers in both Seaside and Marina. Students enrolled at MPC have access to a...

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I rate my school a 10 is a great school. the staff go step by step with students on informations especially the financial ladies.

” – Maria from salinas, CA
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Rio Salado College is a public, 2-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona, with satellite education centers throughout the region. Rio Salado primarily serves students through online programs, though it offers in-person and hybrid options as...

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I learned a lot. The teachers are very supportive and assist you in numerous ways.

” – Gina from Tonopah, AZ
SUNY College at Potsdam

Discover a life-changing education in the shadow of the Adirondacks. At SUNY Potsdam, you'll be inspired by an unconventional community of teachers and mentors who will encourage you to pursue your passions. You'll figure out pretty quickly that our...

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The professors here are exceedingly helpful. They are always available by phone or office hours and show concern for your grades. They even cordially invite you and other students to their houses for smores and pizza! It's a reassuring feeling to be...

” – Patricia from Stillwater, NY
University of Akron Main Campus

As one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, the University of Akron is home to five colleges and three regional campuses in Orrville, Lakewood, Medina, Ohio. Akron offers highly ranked degree programs in engineering...

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The classes are generally small and the professors are fantastic. After you finish your electives, all the major-specific class are enticing and exciting. I'm glad I chose Akron over a smaller school. There are tons of opprotuniteis here for...

” – Abby from Bellville, OH
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Barton Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Great Bend, Kansas, with satellite campuses in Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Grandview Plaza.  Barton offers over 70 academic and career programs, nearly half of which are...

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The teachers have a lot of information and are willing to help you succeed.

” – Janae from Great Bend, KS
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Western Wyoming Community College is a 2-year community college located near the southwest corner of The Equality State. All of the buildings at WWCC’s campus are connected via indoor glass hallways, offering views of the school’s reproductions of...

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There is such a broad range of topics to study here. You will never be bored with your class selections

” – Michelle from Three Forks, MT
Hobart William Smith Colleges

With a campus overlooking Seneca Lake, Hobart & William Smith Colleges are liberal arts colleges in the Finger Lakes region of New York State that operate in a coordinate college system. Originally founded as separate colleges for women and men...

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I am currently taking a wide variety of classes, being a current first year. HWS has 8 required goals that must be completed for graduation. These goals help to broaden your horizon, while meeting your Major/Minor requirements. This school has...

” – Abigail M. W.
Austin Community College District

Austin Community College district is a 2-year institution based in Austin, Texas. ACC offers associate degrees and professional certification programs. High school students can sign up for dual-credit programs and earn college credit while working on...

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I have been learning a lot in my speech class, because I haven't had a speech class since the 8th grade. My teacher, Michelle Syltie, is fun and helpful in everything. However, my government class with Charles Miles is more of a repeat of all of my...

” – Erin from Austin, TX
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With campus a short drive from Mendocino National Forest, Mendocino College is a 2-year community college in northern California. Mendocino is home to 53 associate degree fields of study and 34 certificate-granting programs. For students interested...

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Yes I hope

” – Laura from Kelseyville, CA
Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of West Virginia. D&E’s scenic campus features a number of facilities available for student use, such as the Icehouse, the Booth Library, and the Boiler House Theater...

“…

The school is wonderful enviroment to learn. The class sizes are pretty small so there is more teacher student one on one time.

” – Jacquell from Laurel, MD
Cottey College

Founded in 1884, Cottey College is a women’s liberal arts college in southwest Missouri.  Cottey confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 academic majors as well as several associate degree-granting programs. In addition, Cottey pays for second year students...

“…

The class sizes are 5-25 students, but usually end up being 15, providing a great learning environment. And what makes it even better is the teachers actually know you by name and care about your grades! They are available to help/talk to you at...

” – Jessica from Wayne, MI
LIU Brooklyn

LIU Brooklyn is a 4-year private university in the New York City borough of Brooklyn and the original campus of Long Island University. LIU Brooklyn confers undergrad degrees in over 125 academic programs in liberal arts, business, fine arts, and...

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I was in the Global College of Long Island University, a school/program that is affiliated with Long Island University. At this school, students go to a different country every year -- the first year to Costa Rica, and the following years places like...

” – Jordyn from Denver, CO
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Established in 1880, Universidad del Sagrado Corazon is a private, 4-year institution established in San Juan, Puerto Rico. USC offers over 40 undergraduate programs and two graduate programs, one in Business Administration and a second in Production...

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CUNY Queensborough Community College is a 2-year public school located in Bayside, NY. CUNY Queensborough offers certifications and associate’s degrees as well as college credit for life experiences. The school has an open admissions policy. Many...

“…

it's a great college.
they need more evening and weekend science classes.
evening students need a little bit more privileges

” – Jennifer from Jamaica, NY
Long Island University

Named for breakfast cereal magnate C.W. Post, LIU Post is a private school on Long Island’s north shore and the largest campus of Long Island University. LIU Post grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors. In addition, LIU Post is home to...

“…

LIU Post is an exquisite school equipped with a full recreational center, gourmet food, and a club for everybody. Like all schools the work is diifficult but there are upperclass tutors and teachers available to assist in any problems you may have. I...

” – Khadija from Brooklyn, NY
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GateWay Community College Arizona is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, and it is a member of the Maricopa County Community College District. GateWay offers over 150 academic programs, including associate’s degree and certificate...

“…

I love Gateway! Everyone is friendly and helpful. The campus is nice and easy to find your way around.

” – Renee from Scottsdale, AZ
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Glendale Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 100-acre campus in southern California, with three satellite centers throughout the region. GCC offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs, many of which are...

“…

Glendale Community College is one of the oldest, yet popular community college for locals living in Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank as well as for international students. They offer many courses depending on the major you plan to pursue or...

” – The Wise Student
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El Camino College is a 2-year community college in the South Bay district of Los Angeles. El Camino offers transfer agreements with a number of 4-year colleges and universities and ranks second among all southern California community colleges in...

“…

Most teachers here do a great job at teaching their subjects with the exception of a few of them. They have a great class selection to choose from so there's always something new to learn each semester.

” – Chain from L.A. County
AMDA- College of the Performing Arts- Los Angeles Campus

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a performing arts conservatory with a Los Angeles campus in the heart of Hollywood. The LA-based campus offers Professional Conservatory and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Music Theatre, Dance Theatre...

“…

The Training at this institution is incredibly educating. The instructors are industry professionals who have known this business for years. At AMDA you get the foundation you need as an artist to succeed in the industry. The coursework is very...

” – Simeon from Rock Hill, SC
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With a campus located between San Diego and the US/Mexican border, Southwestern College is the only 2-year community college in the southern part of San Diego County. In order to serve this well-populated region, Southwestern offers over 320 degree...

“…

On my first year at Southwestern College I was in the Transfer Institute Program, which is a one year program designed to increase the number of students transferring to a university. Being in the TI has been a awesome experience and also very...

” – Michelle from Chula Vista, CA
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The Community College of Beaver County is a 2-year institution in western Pennsylvania. CCBC grants degrees and certificates in programs from 11 academic departments including Aviation Sciences and Energy & Advanced Manufacturing. For students...

“…

The Community College of Beaver County is a great school for students who are looking to save some money with a low tuition. Community Colleges often get a reputation of being easy; however, they are just as challenging as four-year colleges. CCBC...

” – Jessica from Monaca, PA
Arts University Bournemouth

With campus a short distance from the English Channel, Arts University Bournemouth is a school of the visual and performing arts in southern England. AUB awards undergraduate degrees in 23 artistic and creative fields of study such as Make-Up and...

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Nestled between several mountain ranges and national forests, Mt. San Jacinto College is a community college with campuses in the southern California towns of Banning, Menifee, San Jacinto, and Temecula. Upon completing 60 units of coursework at MSJC...

“…

This college provides me with all of the basic classes I need to transfer to a 4-year college and still provides classes that spark my interests, such as Environmental Science Lab and World Religions. Classes are educational and small enough to get...

” – Noelle from Murrieta, CA
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Originally founded to serve the educational needs of a large group of returning World War II veterans, Ohio University Eastern is a regional campus in the OU system. OUE grants 13 bachelor’s and two associate degree programs entirely on campus as...

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Ohio University-Chillicothe is the original regional campus in the OU system and the first regional campus in the state. Ohio Chillicothe is home to more than 20 academic programs and foundational courses for degrees offered at other OU campuses. For...

Diablo Valley College

Diablo Valley College is a 2-year public institution located in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, California. DVC boasts high transfer rates, with many of its students continuing their college careers at CSU and UC. The campus features a number of...

“…

Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.

” – Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA
CUNY Graduate School and University Center

CUNY Graduate School and University Center is rated as a Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity and set in Midtown Manhattan. The graduate school is home to several research centers and promotes interdisciplinary research and...

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Just a few blocks from the Ohio River, Ohio University-Southern Campus is a regional campus in the OU system. OU Southern offers 30 degree and certificate programs available entirely on campus as well as the opportunity to begin classes in other OU...

“…

I am learning a lot in all of my classes so far, but I would have to say that the classes that I've learned the most in were General Psychology 101 and Math 102. The instructors made sure that EVERY student understood a topic before they progressed...

” – Brittany from Ironton, OH
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Ohio University Lancaster is a regional campus in the OU system located southeast of Columbus. OUL offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs on campus including Sport and Lifestyle Studies and Middle Childhood Education as well as the option to begin...

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I think the small class size is a great learning environment. I believe student will succeed in a room where they can speak one on one with their professor. The academic, as well as, athletic programs are very strong and are a great place for...

” – Mason from Pickerington, OH
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Established in 1946, Ohio University in Zanesville is a public, 4-year institution located in Muskingum County and is one of seven Ohio University campuses and centers. OU Zanesville offers five associate degree programs, 13 bachelor’s degree...

Hope College

Hope College is a 4-year liberal arts institute located in downtown Holland. Hope partners with the Reformed Church in America but welcomes students of all faiths, as well as those of no faith. The liberal arts curriculum at Hope is threaded through...

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The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to...

” – Dale from Grandville, MI
Concordia University-Montreal

Concordia University in Montreal is the best university in Canada under 50 years old, according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, and among the largest, with 50,000 students. Montreal is the number one student city in North...