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Posted Jun 24th, 2014 , Updated Jul 20th, 2015 by College Atlas
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Scholarships and Grants for Single Dads
College Atlas
January 15, 2019
It’s challenging to be a single dad while going to college. From juggling your studies to raising children, it’s often hard to find time to study. In addition to that, raising children can be expensive. Studies show that for a middle-income family, raising a child born in 2015 through the age of 17 can cost $233,610. If you’re a single dad looking for some financial relief, there are plenty of scholarships and grants available that you might qualify for, depending on which college you’re attending and what state you live in. Take a look at some scholarships below that are geared specifically for single dads. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Amount: Varies Deadline: Varies by county, though most are on July 15 for Fall consideration and January 15 for Spring. This scholarship is intended to give single parents an opportunity to afford a college education. To qualify, you must be living in Arkansas and either be: a single parent, have at least 50% custody of your children, be economically disadvantaged, and have at least a 2.0 GPA. Visit the application for more information, as certain counties in Arkansas have additional criteria. Bernice Murray Scholarship Amount: $2,000 Deadline: February 15, 2019 The Bernice Murray Scholarship Foundation was created by U.S. Senator James Jeffords to help improve the lives of single parents living in Vermont who have children age 12 or younger. The award is intended to be used to pay for child care expenses. Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship Amount: $1,500 Deadline: May 10, 2019 For residents of Rhode Island, the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is available for single parents. Preference is given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or who have been previously incarcerated. BYU Marriott Single Parent Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: March 1, 2019 Each year, the Spouse Association funds several scholarships to assist single-parent graduate students studying at the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business. To qualify, you must be officially admitted to a BYU Marriott School program and remain in good academic standing. Calvert Family Endowed Scholarships Amount: $1,000 Deadline: January 31, 2019 Established in 2005, by Hayden Morgan Calvert, this scholarship is awarded to a father or mother at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Applicants must be a junior or senior, married or single, working full or part-time while in college. You must also demonstrate a financial need and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Critical Difference Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: Application accepted year-round At Oakland University, single parents who had their education interrupted for at least one year and are looking to return to school can apply for this scholarship. You must be the head of the household, be enrolled in an undergraduate program at OU, and must have completed 16 hours or transferred 16 credit hours from another institution. A GPA of at least a 2.5 is also required. Downer-Bennett Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: See description The University of New Mexico offers a scholarship for undergraduate students who are single parents. Applicants must be a continuing undergraduate student. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their FAFSA application information, as well as admission and registrar records. Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: January 31, 2019 This scholarship is for students at Howard Community College who are single parents with dependent children. A priority will be given to students pursuing a Business-related field. LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship Amount: Information not available Deadline: March 20, 2019 Holyoke Community College offers a scholarship for single parents who are enrolled in Business Administration or Banking. To qualify, you must be registered for at least nine credits, and have a 2.35 or higher GPA. Single Parent With Children Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: March 8, 2019 This scholarship is to assist single, divorced or widowed students at Emporia State University who are raising children while in school. To qualify, you must have at least a 2.75 GPA, submit your FAFSA application, demonstration financial need, and be enrolled at ESU for at least 12 credits in an undergraduate degree or seven credits in a graduate program....
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Why Attend HVAC School
College Atlas
December 18, 2018
Schools that teach HVAC provide courses that enable students to test, repair, troubleshoot, and install systems according to local and federal codes. With surprisingly diverse training and career opportunities, HVAC professionals will have intimate knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration devices. Some HVAC technicians work as independent contractors, while others are hired by HVAC or repair companies. They work primarily in homes, office buildings, schools, stores, and factories. Regardless of their environment, professionals require hands-on training in working with HVAC systems, as well as understanding local building codes and blueprints. Are you interested in becoming an HVAC technician? You first need to obtain the required education, including an HVAC license and certification. The following information will cover HVAC school cost and time, as well as what you can expect to learn. What is HVAC Certification? Because HVAC systems are complex, employers require job applicants to possess specialized post-secondary training. In addition to a GED or high school diploma, you’ll need to complete either a certificate program or an associate degree in HVAC. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or vocational schools and will provide hands-on education alongside classroom learning. Newly hired HVAC technicians will begin their careers as apprentices, working with a more experienced colleague before taking jobs on their own. Along with formal education, most states will require you to obtain a license before working as an HVAC technician. Additionally, if you want to work in refrigeration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require you to be certified in the proper handling of refrigerants. HVAC school should prepare you to complete this certification. Many employers and associations also offer training programs to help technicians pass this test. How Long is HVAC School? Certificate programs on average can be as short as six months and associate degrees typically take up to two years to complete. However, the length of the curriculum depends on what kind of program you choose to complete, as well as your choice in school. How Much Does HVAC School Cost? HVAC school costs will largely depend on your location, which college you attend, and which degree program you select. Typically, tuition for certificate programs will cost less than associate degree programs. The average yearly tuition costs for an associate degree program is $3,570 at a public college and $14,587 at a private one. To give you a good idea of the range of HVAC school costs, take a look at a sampling of HVAC school programs across the country: Program Location Type Tuition Georgia Piedmont Technical College Atlanta, Georgia Associate’s Degree $10,736 Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan Bachelor’s Degree $13,204 Austin Community College Austin, Texas Certificate $7,233 Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, Utah Associate’s Degree $4,347 Indian River State College Fort Pierce, Florida Associate’s Degree $1,235 Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, Illinois Certificate $4,848 Cypress College Cypress, California Associate’s Degree $2,836 Monroe Community College Rochester, New York Certificate $4,746 In addition to tuition and fees for college, you’ll need to plan for licensing and certification fees. State license fees vary by state, with most of them landing between $75 and $300. What You’ll Learn in HVAC School HVAC education programs teach students practical knowledge about how to repair and install heating, ventilation air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Coursework will typically include the following: HVAC and refrigeration theory and system design Energy management Industry code standards Ductwork and piping systems Refrigeration Climate control Air quality Facility management Licensing requirements and preparation Safety practices Blueprint reading Cutting and soldering pipes Basic electrical principles and safety A Career in HVAC Because of the growing interest in energy efficiency — both to save money and protect the environment — HVAC is a steadily growing industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry is projected to add 48,800 new technician jobs in the next decade. Employment in the trade is expected to increase by 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. In 2017, HVAC technicians made an average of $47,080 per year. Working in HVAC will provide an interesting, hands-on career, especially if you are interested in providing solutions for people. The work can be challenging, complex, and varied. If you are interested in landing a job in this field, start by researching and applying to HVAC school programs near you. Sources https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-4 https://education.costhelper.com/hvac-schools.html https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0 https://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/2017-trends-in-college-pricing_0.pdf https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_330.10.asp?current=yes...
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Largest Colleges and Universities
College Atlas
December 17, 2018
This is the list of the largest colleges in the United States of America, based on the number of full-time undergraduate students at 4-year colleges and universities. Institution Name Location # of Students University of Phoenix Phoenix, AZ 80,898 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT 72,385 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 70,661 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 56,853 Miami Dade College Miami, FL 56,001 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX 53,065 Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID 51,881 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 49,556 Florida International University Miami, FL 47,629 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH 45,946 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA 45,754 University of Maryland-University College Adelphi, MD 45,604 Valencia College Orlando, FL 44,834 Arizona State University-Tempe Tempe, AZ 42,427 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA 40,835 Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FL 40,754 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 40,492 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 38,996 American Public University System Charles Town, WV 37,910 University of Houston Houston, TX 37,215 Utah Valley University Orem, UT 36,868 California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA 35,839 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ 35,641 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN 35,433 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 35,247 California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA 35,162 Texas State University San Marcos, TX 34,180 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 34,101 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL 33,955 College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV 33,914 Indiana University-Bloomington Richmond, IN 35,433 The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX 33,307 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 33,305 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 33,008 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA 32,945 Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN 32,132 University of South Florida-Main Campus Tampa, FL 31,772 California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA 31,566 Ashford University San Diego, CA 31,566 University of North Texas Denton, TX 31,448 University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 31,358 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA 31,331 South Texas College McAllen, TX 31,321 Brigham Young University-Provo Provo, UT 31,233 Excelsior College Albany, NY 31,039 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 31,002 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 30,737 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA 30,574 Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 30,571 San Diego State University San Diego, CA 30,272 University of California-Davis Davis, CA 30,066 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL 30,052 University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD 29,868 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 29,821 Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA 29,760 Temple University Philadelphia, PA 29,580 St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL 29,548 University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA 29,307 University of Colorado-Boulder Boulder, CO 29,056 University of Georgia Athens, GA 28,848 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA 28,587 California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA 28,454 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA 28,083 San Jose State University San Jose, CA 27,778 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 27,193 Weber State University Ogden, UT 27,111 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 27,084 San Franscisco State University San Francisco, CA 26,680 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH 26,559 The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX 26,444 New York University New York, NY 26,417 University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC 26,362 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 25,838 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 25,770 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO 25,523 Purdue University Global-Davenport Davenport, IA 25,488 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA 25,444 University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 25,279 Washington State University Pullman, WA 25,277 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 25,030 George Mason University Fairfax, VA 25,010...
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How To Write A College Essay
College Atlas
November 21, 2018
One of the major parts of a college application is the essay portion. Unlike the rest of your application, the essay portion can be used to let personality shine through and help the university get to know you on a more personal level. So, how do you write a college essay? You can complete it with the following steps. Step 1: Compile the required information Before you begin writing, decide which universities you want to apply to and jot down the application essay prompt(s). Gather the information about the essay requirements. Some universities will give you a few options of essays to choose from, while others might require you to respond to each question. Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas Now that you’re all set, start brainstorming ideas on how to best answer the essay question(s). Think of some of the life experiences that have helped shape you as a person. Ask questions to yourself, such as: What makes you unique? What are some of your strengths? What obstacles or challenges have you overcome? Why do you want to attend that college or university? What will a college education do for you? Jot down these and other ideas in a Microsoft Word document. Step 3: Write An Outline Prepare an outline to help you organize your thoughts and give your essay some structure. If there are multiple questions as part of your essay prompt, be sure you hit them in your outline. Step 4: Write Your First Draft Use your outline to guide you through the structure of your essay. Rather than answering the question directly, think of a creative way to begin your essay that will grab the university’s attention. For example, start by telling a short story of an experience you’ve had that is relevant to the prompt, and then slowly weave your answer within that story. Write your first draft completely while staying within the parameters of the essay, such as the maximum word count. Be sure to write it in your own unique voice, filled with your own emotions and feelings, as if you were talking to another person directly. Step 5: Take a Break and Revisit Your Essay One you’ve written your draft, take a short break to clear your mind. This will give you the opportunity to let your essay simmer in your mind for a bit. During this time, you might think of other examples you can use or ways to make your essay more compelling. After your break, return to your essay and read it again with fresh eyes. Clarify anything that might be unclear, correct any typos or grammatical errors, and compare your essay to the prompt to ensure you’ve answered them all. Step 6: Have Another Person Edit Your Essay It’s helpful to have someone else review your essay before submitting. Whether it’s a friend, a parent, or a teacher, this person can provide helpful suggestions to make your essay better and help you develop any parts you might be struggling with. Step 7: Prepare to Upload Your Essay After you’ve implemented the suggestions by your editor, review your essay several more times. Double check to make sure you’ve answered your prompt correctly and that there aren’t any typos. Once your essay is ready to go, upload your essay and submit it. Other Helpful College Essay Tips Customize your essays.Though some university essays might have a similar prompt, be sure to customize the essay to each college accordingly. Don’t use the exact same essay for multiple colleges. Each university is unique. Make sure your essay sounds like you. Don’t use fancy words, or exaggerate your stories to try to impress them. Be real and honest. Don’t be “wordy.” During your editing phase, look for ways to cut down unnecessary words that elongate your sentences. Try to say the most you can in as few words as possible. Write positively.While it’s OK to write about negative experiences you’ve gone through, write it in a positive tone. Show that you have a positive attitude and outlook on life, and what you have learned from those experiences. Use proofreading tools. Hemingwayapp and Grammarly are helpful in catching any typos, or passive or complex sentences for you to fix. There are also text-to-speech sites, such as TTS Reader, that will read your essay out loud for you as you follow along to help you catch any additional errors....
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Top Colleges Ranked by Average Salary of Graduates
College Atlas
November 13, 2018
Payscale.com recently released their rankings on what they consider to be the best colleges to attend. Their rankings are based on which colleges and degrees end up paying off the most for graduates. Their salary survey, completed by 1.2 million users on the PayScale.com website over the last year, determines the average salary a college graduate should expect to receive both beginning and mid-career by college, major, and location. The overall goal of the survey is to help determine which undergraduate educations are the best investment, allowing prospective students (and their parents) to be able to figure the Return On Investment of going to college. It may come as no surprise as to what colleges the highest paid first-year grads are coming from: Ivy League Colleges and Engineering (Tech) Schools. Highest Starting Salary by College College Salary 1. Samuel Merritt University $91,600 2. Harvey Mudd College $88,000 3. Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science $87,900 4. California Institute of Technology $87,300 5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $86,800 6. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering $84,800 7. United States Military Academy $83,500 8. United States Naval Academy $83,500 9. United States Merchant Marine Academy $81,400 10. Stanford University $80,900 11. Webb Institute $79,700 12. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences $79,000 13. United States Air Force Academy $76,000 14. Carnegie Mellon University $75,500 15. Harvard University $75,300 16. Stevens Institute of Technology $74,900 17. SUNY Maritime College $74,800 17. Colorado School of Mines $74,800 19. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology $74,600 20. Princeton University $74,500 21. Worchester Polytechnic Institute $73,200 22. University of Pennsylvania $72,900 23. Yale University $72,300 24. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus $71,800 25. Rensselear Polytechnic Institute $71,200 Highest Mid-Career Median Salary by College College Salary 1. Stanford University $156,700 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $156,500 3. Harvey Mudd College $154,700 4. United States Naval Academy $154,100 5. Harvard University $151,600 6. United States Military Academy $151,200 7. California Institute of Technology $150,800 8. SUNY Maritime College $150,400 9. Princeton University $147,800 10. Dartmouth College $147,500 11. Yale University $146,300 12. Babson College $145,500 11. University of Pennsylvania $145,200 14. Santa Clara University $143,100 15. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences $143,000 16. United States Air Force Academy $142,900 17. Duke University $142,800 18. Stevens Institute of Technology $142,400 19. Webb Institute $141,900 20. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering $141,500 21. United States Merchant Marine Academy $141,300 22. Colorado School of Mines $141,100 23. Williams College $140,900 24. University of California-Berkley $140,100 25. Georgetown University $140,000 Note: The data considers those whose education went no further than a bachelor’s level degree. Physicians, lawyers and others with advanced degrees were not included in the data. College data provided by campusgrotto.com....
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Graduate Financial Aid and Funding
College Atlas
October 23, 2018
Applying for Federal Aid As a Graduate Student From grants and student loans to scholarships, there are many financial aid options you can choose from to help fund your graduate education and stay out of debt. Learn About Your Graduate School Financial Aid and Funding Options Federal Graduate Aid Federal Graduate Grants Federal Work-study Federal Student Loans Where do I apply? Graduate Scholarships Graduate Fellowships Graduate Assistantships Tax Credits for Graduate Students Federal Graduate Financial Aid You might already be familiar with the federal financial aid process from when you were an undergraduate student. If you needed help paying for your associate or bachelor’s degree, you likely filled out your financial aid application (FAFSA form) and waited to see if you were going to get any financial aid money. Applying for federal financial aid as a graduate student is very similar. The two main differences are 1) the type of financial information you will need to submit with your application and 2) the aid programs and amount of aid money that you can qualify for. As far as the financial information you will need to submit – when you were an undergraduate, you likely applied as a dependent of your parents, which means you submitted their financial information on your FAFSA form. When you apply for aid as a graduate student, you will most likely apply as an independent. This means that you will submit your own financial information on your application, instead of your parents, so that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) can determine how much aid you qualify for. If you are married, you are also required to include your spouse’s financial information. As for the differences in the federal aid programs that you can apply for as a graduate, there are three main types of federal financial aid for graduate students: grants, work-study, and student loans. Federal Graduate Grants Unlike a graduate loan, a graduate grant is free and does not have to be repaid. As a graduate student, there are government-sponsored grant opportunities for qualifying students. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant – An annual $4,000 financial reward is given to students who are studying to become an elementary or secondary school teacher in an in-demand field, such as science or math, and work for a school agency that serves a low-income area. You must also agree to teach for at least four full academic years within eight years after completing your graduate school degree. Prior to teaching, you’ll have to complete the TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling, as well as the Agreement to Serve. Learn more about Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. Pell Grants – Federal Pell Grants are typically only awarded to undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. There are some special cases where a graduate student may qualify for a Pell Grant. One example is if a student is enrolling in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program. Federal Work-Study This opportunity offers paid part-time jobs for graduate (and undergraduate) students who have financial need, while they are enrolled in school. Work-study opportunities vary by institution. Universities like the University of California – Davis campus, Texas State University, and Harvard University’s College of Education offer work-study opportunities, as do many others. Check your university’s financial aid and department web pages for their work-study openings. Learn more about Federal Work-Study. Federal Student Loans The most common type of government loans for graduate students are issued by the U.S. Department of Education through The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. These graduate loans are awarded as either a Direct Unsubsidized Loan or a Direct PLUS Loan. Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Your school will determine how much you can borrow with this loan based on your university’s cost of attendance. Generally, this loan lets you borrow up to $20,500 per school year (and possibly more if you are in certain health profession programs). You must repay the amount of the loan along with a six percent (6%) interest rate and a loan fee (typically just above one percent). Direct PLUS Loan – With this loan, you can receive up to the maximum amount of the cost of attendance of your school. A credit check will be performed when you apply. Along with repaying your loan, you are also charged a 7 percent interest rate. Unfortunately, unlike grants and work-study, student loans do have to be paid back. Before you sign up for any loan, check the differences in interest rates and pay-back requirements between a government-sponsored loan and a private loan. Military members may also be eligible for special federal student loan benefits. Learn more about government-sponsored Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. Where do I apply for federal graduate aid? The U.S. Department of Education offers financial aid for graduate students. Your financial aid reward type and amount will depend on several eligibility requirements. You can apply for federal student aid at fafsa.ed.gov. Most states and colleges as well as private aid providers will use the information you submit on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for aid. School or Private Graduate Funding Are there graduate scholarships or fellowships for graduate students? Yes. If you prefer to not rely on federal student aid to cover your cost of attendance, you should seriously consider applying for scholarships or fellowships. Read more about scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships below. Graduate Scholarships Some universities offer a variety of department-sponsored scholarships, along with private scholarships funded by generous donors and organizations. At the University of Denver, graduate students can search for a scholarship based on their major, GPA, and other relevant information to find a scholarship they may qualify for. Likewise, Clark University offers Merit Scholarships to select students based on certain factors, such as GPA and letters of recommendation. Other examples of universities that offer graduate school scholarships include Eastern Michigan University, Marquette University, and University of North Florida. Graduate Fellowships What are graduate fellowships? A fellowship, like a graduate scholarship, is a program that offers financial support to graduate students during their full-time course study. Fellowships are offered by universities as well as businesses, organizations, and foundations. Most fellowships are merit-based awards, can vary in length, and typically offer full tuition along with a stipend (a small salary), which can vary. University-sponsored Graduate Fellowships University-sponsored fellowships are offered by your education institution, itself. Most university-sponsored fellowships do not require you to teach or perform research while in your graduate program. If you do an internet search that includes your school’s name and “graduate fellowships”, you will most likely get directed to your university’s graduate fellowship webpage where it lists their fellowship opportunities. Cornell University’s graduate students can search the Cornell graduate fellowship database, where there are more than 1,000 fellowships in different fields of study. Fellowships at Cornell University cover full tuition, along with a stipend and student health insurance. The University of Washington also offers a number of fellowships in a variety of academic interests. Business- and Organization-sponsored Graduate Fellowships Many businesses, organizations, and foundations sponsor fellowships. These groups are interested in offering these fellowships because they are able to snatch highly talented individuals early in their time at graduate school. In exchange, these fellowships offer a great way for you to offset the cost of your graduate program. The NVIDIA fellowship and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) fellowship are great examples, respectively, of a business- and an organization-sponsored fellowship. If you are interested in getting a fellowship at a specific company, business, or organization, you may look online to see if they offer any fellowship opportunities or call their main headquarters to ask. Conduct a thorough internet search for any potential scholarship and fellowship opportunities that you may qualify for. If your graduate school doesn’t offer scholarships or fellowships, you can still apply for scholarships through generic scholarship websites like fastweb.com, scholarships.com. Graduate Assistantships What is a graduate assistantship? A graduate assistantship is a type of job at the university in a student’s chosen field of study. Similar to fellowships, assistantships cover tuition expenses and pay students a small stipend. In exchange, graduate assistants—also known as teaching assistants or TAs—help professors conduct research, teach lower-level courses, and grade class assignments. Some examples of graduate assistantships include Boston University’s College of Communication, Mississippi University for Women, and the University of Arkansas Bumpers College of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. Check to see if your graduate school department offers graduate assistantships you can apply for. Tax Credits for Graduate Students As a graduate student, you may be able to claim the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). The credit allows for 20% of up to $10,000 of qualified graduate expenses. The maximum credit for the 2017 tax year is $2,000. You may qualify for this tax credit if you are enrolled at an eligible institution and if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is below the amounts below. If you are unmarried and your individual MAGI range is below $56,000, you can claim the full credit. If it is between $56,000 to $66,000, you can claim a reduced amount of the credit. If you file as a married couple and your joint MAGI range is below $112,000, you can claim the full credit. If it is between $112,000 to $132,000, you can claim a reduced amount of the credit. If you use married filing separate status, you cannot qualify for this credit. Learn more about the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). Get As Much Free Education As Possible As you prepare to attend graduate school, consider your options for financial aid. Become familiar with your graduate school’s scholarship, grant, fellowship, and work-study offerings. Once you find the ones you may qualify for, pay attention to their requirements and their respective deadlines. Many students often receive a combination of scholarships and student loans to pay for their education. If you can, choose a graduate school that offers a fantastic education and also offers the greatest chances of getting a free or low-cost education; a school with plenty of scholarships and fellowships to apply for. Don’t limit yourself by thinking, “Oh, I’ll never get that grant, fellowship, or scholarship so why apply?” The simple truth is, you’ll never know until you apply. The more financial aid you apply for, the greater your chance of receiving some. Getting funding can help relieve the stress of worrying about how you’re going to pay for school and it reduces your overall student debt when you graduate. Take advantage of every funding opportunity that is available to you, especially if it’s free. Sources StudentAid.ed.gov StudentLoans.gov Sallie Mae...
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Student Loans, Debt, and Repayment: What You Need to Know Before Signing Up for Student Loans
College Atlas
October 15, 2018
Going to college is an excellent investment. It’s your opportunity to get a degree in a program you’re passionate about. However, between tuition and fees, buying books and housing, you might wonder how you’ll pay for all of costs. One option is to apply for a student loan, whether it is a federal student loan or a private loan. In fact, more than 70% of undergraduate students applied for federal student aid, according to a study. However, for each year that you apply, you are accumulating more and more debt that could take years to pay back. In 2017, 66% of college students owed an average of $28,650 in debt on student loans. All of this debt can add up fast! Before you sign up for a student loan, it is important to know the basics of what you’re getting into and what is expected of you in repaying them. Types of Loans Federal Student Aid The U.S. Department of Education offers several types of student loans, all of which can be applied for by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The following are the types of federal student aid you can apply for. Direct Subsidized Loans are offered to eligible undergraduate students in financial need. You will not have to pay any interest on this loan and can borrow up to $12,500 per year. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are offered to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. However, you don’t have to demonstrate financial need and are expected to pay all interest. Undergraduate students can borrow up to $12,500 per year, while graduate and professional students can borrow up to $20,500 per year. Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduate and professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for educational expenses that aren’t covered by other financial aid. You must get a credit check if applying for a parent loan, and you are responsible for paying interest. Once you receive your loan, you aren’t expected to start paying it back until six months after your graduation, unless you leave school or change your enrollment status from full-time to half-time. Private Student Loans Another option for applying for a loan is to get a private loan, made available through banks, credit unions, and state affiliations. Each of these lenders have their own terms for repayment. Private loan are usually unsubsidized, meaning that you are responsible for paying all interest. Be aware, however, that interest rates can be as high as 14%, compared to a federal undergraduate loan interest rate of about 5%. Repaying Your Loans Federal Student Loans For federal student loans, all repayments are handled through a loan servicer, such as Nelnet or Cornerstone. You’ll find out who your servicer is by logging into your My Federal Student Aid account. Each month, you’ll receive a bill that you are expected to pay. You’ll have the option to sign up for automatic payments if you don’t want to worry about missing a payment. You’re expected to repay your student loans within 10 to 30 years, depending on the loan. If you have trouble repaying your loans, your loan servicer can help you come up with a repayment plan, such as changing when your payment due date is or changing the amount due based on your salary. There are some circumstances in which your loan can be forgiven, meaning you will no longer have to repay a remaining balance. In other cases, you might receive a reduction in the amount you have to pay back. Two of the most common forgiveness loans include: A Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which applies after you’ve made 120 qualifying monthly payments to a Direct Loan and if you work full-time for a government organization or certain not-for-profit organizations. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program qualifies you to receive a forgiveness of up to $17,500 for a Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan if you are a full-time teacher for five consecutive years in a low income school or education service agency. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more types of forgiveness and cancellations and qualifications. Private Loan Repayment Private lenders have their own requirements for repayment, though repayment periods can typically range from seven to 15 years. If you are having trouble repaying them, your lender can work with you on setting up a different plan. Is A Student Loan Right for You? Before you apply for a student loan, consider the pros and cons. Remember that a student loan is a big, long-term commitment, as you’ll be responsible for paying it all back. Financial experts recommend finding alternative options to save money for college, such as attending a community college, applying for scholarships, or participating in a work-study program. However, if these alternatives are not possible and you must take out a student loan, be sure to come up with a repayment plan to pay off your loans as quickly as possible....
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11 Self-Care Hacks to Maintain Your Mental Health in College
College Atlas
October 9, 2018
College is a stressful time for many college students. Between attending classes and studying for exams, to working part-time and experiencing social pressures, there’s a lot to balance. If you don’t take care of your mental health, you might just lose your mind. In fact, a large percentage of students face challenges with their mental health while in college. A 2016 study from Healthy Minds Network shows that 39% of students struggle with at least one mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In addition, according to the American College Health Association, depression and anxiety are two of the major factors that affect college students’ academic performance. While in college, there are certain ways you can manage your stress to keep your mental health in check. Below are 10 self-care tips you can apply each day: 1. Recognize any warning signs of mental health problems While in college, it’s critical to be self-aware of how you are feeling mentally. Symptoms, such as having low energy, experiencing mood swings, and feeling homesick or depressed can have harmful effects on your health. 2. Take advantage of counseling services If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you have high anxiety, elevated stress, or depression, speak to an on-campus counselor. They will be willing to listen to your personal challenges, provide advice, and help you set goals to ensure a fulfilling college experience. 3. Get some exercise Exercising is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety. By keeping active, you’ll release “happy hormones” like endorphins that help boost your mood and self-confidence. Plus, you’ll need to be active after spending time sitting down in class or in the library. Most college campuses have fitness facilities, such as a gym, running track, and maybe even group exercise classes you can participate in. If you prefer to do something off-campus, go for a bike ride or a run. It’ll make you feel good to get a mental break before heading back to your apartment or dorm and hitting the books again. 4. Eat healthy foods When some people are stressed, they overeat, while other people might choose to not eat at all. Neither of these is a healthy choice for college students. Sure, eating an occasional pizza or burger and fries is fine, but be sure you’re eating healthy foods, too. Eat balanced meals with fruits, meats, and vegetables, while limiting junk foods, sodas, and other processed foods. In addition, be mindful of not having an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, which can be very harmful to your health and can lead to serious consequences. 5. Go for a walk When you need to take a short break from your studies, take a load off and go for a walk. This is a good way to clear your head, get some sunshine, and think about what’s on your mind. 6. Get involved An important component of the college experience is participating in social activities. Pick a fun student club or volunteer opportunity that can be part of your identity as a college student besides being in class. 7. Prioritize your to-do list Not keeping a schedule or to-do list can cause you to feel overwhelmed and stress, which can impact your mental health. Instead, prioritize your day by getting the most important tasks done first and the least important things last. 8. Get enough sleep This one is especially important, as the amount of sleep you get can dramatically affect your day. According to one study published in Mental Health America, 27% of college students reported having trouble sleeping. Furthermore, 60% reported pulling an “all-nighter,” which served as a factor in having a lower GPA. A lack of sleep can make you feel cranky and may reduce your ability to concentrate and think clearly. Allow your brain to rest by getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day and try to avoid all-nighters as much as possible. 9. Make time to relax While studying and performing well in college is crucial for success, it is also important to leave some time to relax. Take breaks during your study sessions to meditate, read a book, or hang out with friends to take a load off and allow your brain to relax and recharge for a while. 10. Be responsible You are likely well aware there is a lot of partying, drinking, and drug use among many college students. According to one study, of the 61% of college students who drank, 40.5% binge drank, while 16.3% were heavy drinkers. Battling addictions to alcohol and drugs can have a tremendous negative impact on your mental health, and if these issues are not taken care of, it can potentially be fatal. 11. Learn to say “no” If at any point you feel like you are taking on too much–maybe you’re involved in too many activities, or going out with friends too often that you’re neglecting your studies or sleep–learn to say no. Don’t feel like you have to say “yes” to every opportunity to please others. Know your limit to how much you can handle. It’s OK to not go to every student organization meeting or every hang out with your friends. Try to find a healthy balance between school, social activities, and personal downtime. Remember that there is no way to entirely avoid stress–you will experience some sort of stress no matter what. However, you can reduce or lower your stress by taking care of yourself. The healthier you are mentally, the more likely you are to excel, feel happy, and get the most of your college experience. If you need assistance, be sure to seek help from resources on campus available to you, or from a counselor or therapist in the community....
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10 Unique, Unusual Scholarships You’ll Enjoy Applying For
College Atlas
September 25, 2018
When you think of scholarships, perhaps you think of ones that require you go to have a high GPA or write an academic essay. Though that is true in many cases, not all of them are academic-based. In fact, there are plenty of scholarships that are weird, unusual, and even silly. From pretending that you’re in a zombie apocalypse, to writing a funny story, to doing the best duck call, you’ll have fun applying to the scholarships below. Halloween Express Scholarship Entry period: October 1-31, 2018 Amount awarded: Up to $1,000 Learn More Each year, Halloween Express offers a scholarship essay contest on a different topic. This year, the topic is about costume standards–many costumes are considered too offensive to particular cultures and religions, while other costumes might glorify violence or are too sexual. Should some costumes be off limits? Has society reached a point to where we are conditioned to be offended by such costumes? Halloween Express invites you to submit a 500 to 2,500-word essay to express and defend your point of view. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship Deadline: October 31, 2018 Amount awarded: $2,000 Learn More If you were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse like in the show “The Walking Dead,” how would you survive? For this scholarship, you have to answer the following essay prompt in 250 words or less: “Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive.” Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship Contest Competition date: November 23, 2018 Amount awarded: $500 to $2,000 Learn More Each year, the Stuttgard, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce hosts a duck calling contest for any high school senior in the U.S. Participants have 90 seconds to do four types of duck calls–hail, feed, comeback, and mating–according to the rules by the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest. The contestant with the best calls wins the scholarship. National Rice Month Scholarship Contest Deadline: October 31, 2018 Amount awarded: $1,500 to $4,000 Learn More If you live in a rice-growing state (Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas), you can submit an original video (three minutes or less) on the importance of rice to your state. You can also talk about rice production, healthy eating, sustainability, and other related topics. 10 Things You Love About You Scholarship Deadlines: December 31, 2018 Amount awarded: $1,500 Learn More The prompt for this scholarship is pretty simple: using 250 words or less, create a top 10 list of reasons why you deserve this scholarship. The applicant with the most convincing list wins. The winner will be notified on March 31, 2019. Getting Real About Distracted Driving Scholarship Deadline: Fall semester, December 31; Spring semester, May 31 Amount awarded: $1,000 Learn More Each fall and spring semester, Comedy Defensive Driving School, an online defensive driving program, ask students to design an advertisement on the dangers of distracted driving. From drinking to texting or even eating while driving, your ad can be used to help drivers stay more focused while on the road. Creativity and humor are encouraged. Tall Clubs International Foundation Deadline: February 20, 2019 Amount awarded: $5,000 to $10,000 Learn More This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who are vegetarians. Submit an essay addressing your successes and challenges in promoting vegetarianism in your school or community. You’ll also have to submit three letters of recommendations and any documentation related to promoting vegetarianism. Create A Greeting Card Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2019 Amount awarded: $10,000 Learn More The Gallery Collection offers a scholarship for the best original photo artwork or computer graphic to be used on the cover of a greeting card. The finalist is determined by the most number of votes on the company’s website. Superpower Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2019 Amount awarded: $2,500 Learn More For all the superhero fans out there, perhaps there’s a one that you’ve always admired. The essay question for this scholarship is: Which superhero or villain would you want to switch places with for a day and why? Answer it in 250 words or less. Flavor of the Month Scholarship Deadline: July 31, 2019 Amount awarded: $1,500 Learn More Is there a particular ice cream flavor that reflects your personality? Perhaps, you are classy like vanilla, or maybe you’re a little more exotic like rainbow sherbet. In celebration of July being National Ice Cream Month, all you have to do is answer the following essay question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why? The winner will be announced on October 31, 2019. Make Me Laugh Scholarship Deadline: August 31, 2019 Amount awarded: $1,500 Learn More Are you funny? This is your chance to make the scholarship judges laugh. All you have to do is describe an incident in your life–fact or fiction– that is funny or embarrassing. Applicants as young as age 13 can apply. The winner will be notified on November 30, 2019....
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Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges
College Atlas
August 29, 2018
Searching for the Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges and Universities in the nation? Look no further than the College Atlas A-List, which ranks schools based on multiple data points within the three major categories of Affordability, Accessibility, and Academic Quality....
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Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges Methodology
College Atlas
August 29, 2018
The 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list evaluates schools on 17 different data points – each related to one of the three major ranking categories – affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. A few of the data points were used for each online college and university to gain inclusion into the ranking evaluation pool, while the rest were used to rank the schools against each other. The rankings data that the College Atlas Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list utilizes are the most important elements for potential students and their parents to consider. Inclusion Factors, Data, and Weights The 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges dataset started with the NCES College Navigator database [2018] to narrow down four-year colleges offering inexpensive online degree programs. Schools were sorted first by a maximum tuition of $10,000. Of those schools, only those that were accredited by one of the top six regional accrediting agencies were considered and any schools that were not accredited by these agencies were eliminated. The data from the NCES College Navigator database was then compared to data on the full IPEDS universe of 7,500 accredited colleges and universities as well as each school’s website to ensure each school was vetted for quality factors such as acceptance rate, student-faculty ratio, freshman retention, graduation rate, financial aid, and Learning Management System (LMS) technology. A full listing of all of the quality factors and criteria is below. In addition to these quality factors, each school website was researched to verify a listing of at least 10 or more online degree programs. We also confirmed this data with IPEDS survey data as well. Any schools that did not have at least 10 online degree programs were removed from the list. We used the following criteria to compile the 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list. Affordability – 50% of total ranking The cost of college is an increasingly important element to consider when choosing a college or university. For the 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list, the affordability category is composed of: A tuition cost of no more than $10,000 for the 2017-2018 school year for each school In-state undergraduate tuition vs. out-of-state undergraduate tuition Percentage of students receiving financial aid Average amount of aid compared to tuition Accessibility – 20% of total ranking To ensure that a majority of potential American students can attend the colleges on the 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list, the following factors were used to determine accessibility: Acceptance rate Number of students enrolled Number of programs offered online School location in any of the 50 U.S. states Open enrollment policies that allow all races, genders, ages, and religions to attend Online programs that are available to students in all locations throughout the U.S. Available and sufficient Learning Management System (LMS) technology for online classes All schools located outside of the mainland United States or schools that were only open to a certain religion, sex, or race were eliminated from the list to ensure that all schools listed were available to a majority of American citizens. Academic Quality – 30% of total ranking The academic quality category consists of the perceptions of students, faculty, parents, and future employers. For the 2018 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges list, academic quality is composed of: Regional accreditation by one of top 6 regional accrediting agencies** Student-faculty ratio Enrollment rate First-year retention rate Six-year graduation rate At least a 4-year institution offering a variety of degrees * Tuition listed on the ranking list is based on in-state tuition. ** The top 6 regional accrediting agencies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Higher Learning Commission, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges....
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Top Party Schools in the U.S.
College Atlas
August 21, 2018
Princeton Review’s Top Party Schools for 2018 1. University of Delaware (Newark, DE) 2. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) 3. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 4. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) 5. Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) 6. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) 7. University of California – Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) 8. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) 9. Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) 10. University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) 11. The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa, AL) 12. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 13. Providence College (Providence, RI) 14. Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) 15. Union College (NY) (Schenectady, NY) 16. University of Maine (Orono, ME) 17. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) 18. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 19. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) 20. Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park, CA) Earn your associate or bachelor’s degree online. You may qualify for a $6,095 grant! Princeton Review’s Top Party Schools for 2017 Princeton Review’s Top Party Schools for 2016 1. University of Wisconsin- Madison (Madison, WI) 1. University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign (Champaign, IL) 2. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) 2. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 3. University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign (Champaign, IL) 3. University of Wisconsin- Madison (Madison, WI) 4. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) 4. Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) 5. Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) 5. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) 6. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 6. University of California- Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) 7. University of Mississippi (University, MS) 7. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) 8. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) 8. University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 9. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 9. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 10. Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) 10. Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) 11. University of California- Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) 11. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) 12. University of Delaware (Newark, DE) 12. University of Mississippi (University, MS) 13. University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) 13. Penn State University (University Park, PA) 14. Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) 14. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 15. College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) 15. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) 16. University of Maine (Orono, ME) 16. Ohio University (Athens, OH) 17. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 17. DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) 18. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 18. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 19. University of Colorado- Boulder (Boulder, CO) 19. Miami University of Ohio (Oxford, OH) 20. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) 20. College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) Top Party Schools: 2015 and 2014 For sake of comparison, we’ve kept the 2015 and 2014 rankings below. The number of students surveyed by The Princeton Review for the 2014-2015 ranking of the “Top 20 Party Schools” increased by 6,000 to a total of 130,000, over the 2013-2014 student survey size. The 5 top party schools in the US from 2014 stayed the same, however, their orders were rearranged, with the exception of West Virginia University, which stayed in fourth place. Syracuse University went from fifth place right to the top, showing the most change in the top 5. There were also 2 new schools added this year: 9th place, Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA); and 20th place, University of Delaware (Newark, DE). These two schools replaced: 15th place, the University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX); and 17th place, University of Maryland (College Park, MD). Bucknell University didn’t waste any party time as they jumped into the top 10, especially since this is the first time they have shown up in the previous 3 years! The top party schools ranking is based on survey questions relating to student use of alcohol and drugs, hours of study per day, and the popularity of the Greek system at the school. In contrast, on the opposite end of the spectrum is the “Top 20 Stone Cold Sober Schools”, which we have also included on our site for comparison. As usual, Brigham Young University (BYU – Provo, UT) kept its first place spot, and there are several other faith-based schools and military academies which have also consistently stayed on this list. Princeton Review’s Top Party Schools for 2015 Princeton Review’s Top Party Schools for 2014 1. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) 1. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 2. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 2. University of California- Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) 3. University of California- Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) 3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) 4. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) 4. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) 5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) 5. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) 6. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) 6. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 7. Penn State University (University Park, PA) 7. Ohio University (Athens, OH) 8. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) 8. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) 9. Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) 9. Penn State University (University Park, PA) 10. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 10. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) 11. Miami University of Ohio (Oxford, OH) 11. University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 12. Florida State University (Tallahasee, FL) 12. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) 13. Ohio University (Athens, OH) 13. DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) 14. DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) 14. University of Mississippi (University, MS) 15. University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 15. University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) 16. University of Mississippi (University, MS) 16. Miami University of Ohio (Oxford, OH) 17. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 17. University of Maryland (College Park, MD) 18. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 18. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 19. University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) 19. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 20. University of Delaware (Newark, DE) 20. University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) Earn your associate or bachelor’s degree online. You may qualify for a $6,095 grant! Source Princeton Review...
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Schools With the Happiest Students
College Atlas
August 16, 2018
What makes a person feel happy and content? This psychological question has been on the minds of many individuals across the country for some time. While there is no perfect formula for determining happiness and overall satisfaction, the 2018 Princeton Review has produced a list of the happiest students on campuses across the country. Their methodology was a simple survey asking students how happy they were with their university. Some of the conclusions might surprise you! Just as the formula for individual happiness is idiosyncratic, so is this list. Schools With the Happiest Students *Ranked in 2018 College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN Tulane University, New Orleans, LA Rice University, Houston, TX Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH Clemson University, Clemson, SC Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS Colby College, Waterville, ME Brown University, Providence, RI Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA University of Dayton, Dayton, OH Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA University of California–Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA University of Vermont, Burlington, VT Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT Clark University, Worchester, MA Auburn University, Auburn, AL University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA...
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Schools With the Most Hard Liquor Drinkers
College Atlas
August 16, 2018
For its 2018 list of colleges, the Princeton Review compiled a list of schools that include the most hard liquor drinkers. Many of the schools on this list overlap with other lists in the series, including the schools with the most beer drinkers, schools where students study the least, and top party schools. Schools that don’t appear on any other party school-related list but make it on to the hard liquor list include St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY, Providence College in Providence, RI, Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, and Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. It begs the question of what makes liquor so popular on these campuses. One thing they have in common is being located in the Northeast. Perhaps it is the cold winter temperatures that encourage students to turn to spirits rather than beer, which is traditionally served cold. Tulane University ranks number 5 on this list, which could be attributed to its location in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans has some of the loosest liquor laws in the entire country, as liquor is permitted for sale in almost any convenience store, 24 hours a day. Overall, it does appear that if your school is a top party school and a top beer-drinking school, there will probably also be a lot of hard liquor consumed on campus. Schools that made all four of these lists include West Virginia University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Most Hard Liquor Drinkers *Ranked 2018 University of Delaware, Newark, DE Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA Connecticut College, New London, CT University of California–Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Tulane University, New Orleans, LA Boston University, Boston, MA Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY University of Maine, Orono, ME Colgate University, Hamilton, NY University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC University of Georgia, Athens, GA Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA Bentley University, Waltham, MA St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI Providence College, Providence, RI...
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Most Religious Students
College Atlas
August 15, 2018
The increasingly secular nature of the United States has been on the minds of many religious leaders across the country. Among Americans ages 18-29, 25% say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion. There are still a number of universities that boast a high number of religious students, however. According to the 2018 Princeton Review list, the most religious students hail from some institutionally religious schools as well as secular universities. The school with the most religious students is Gordon College, a Christian liberal arts school just north of Boston. Other explicitly religious schools that made the list include Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA, Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Overall, Catholic institutions dominate the list, which follows from the rich history of educational institutions within the Catholic faith. If you are looking for a school with a large number of religious students, especially those that practice your same faith, there are a number of options. Through careful research, you can find an institution that works for you. Most Religious Students *Ranked 2018 Gordon College, Wenham, MA University of Dallas, Irving, TX Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula, CA Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI Brigham Young University, Provo, UT Grove City College, Grove City, PA Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Catholic University of America, Washington, DC College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO Berry College, Mount Berry, GA Wofford College, Spartansburg, SC Auburn University, Auburn, AL Baylor University, Waco, TX The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Tucaloosa, AL University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL Clemson University, Clemson, SC...
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