Saint Peter’s University- This is a small (little over 2,000 students) in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is New Jersey’s only Jesuit University. Their top programs are business, criminal justice, and education, where students are licensed to teach in both New Jersey and New York upon graduation. They have a newly renovated school of education and school of business, with a new stock room. They offer a great study abroad program primarily in Barcelona and Seoul for interested students. Although 50% of students commute, housing is available all four years. 97% of students receive financial aid, but the merit scholarships are what make Saint Peter’s a great catch. All accepted students are awarded at LEAST a $12,000 scholarship towards tuition and $2,000 towards room and board. Also, students with a 3.5 GPA and 1300 SAT (Math and Critical Reading) are in the running for a full scholarship, in which 40 are given out each year. All applicants are also given free applications, which save you about $65.

Providence College- PC is a small liberal arts college in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a catholic school run by the order of Dominicans, who concentrate on faith and reason. They are a test-optional school, with 50% of their incoming class applying test-optional. PC has an average class size of 18, with a 91% retention rate for students. 3 years ago they were awarded a full international business accreditation, and their business program has been booming since then. PC was the first school to offer Public Service as a major, where students learn how to serve the world and make it a better, more productive place. They also offer a fantastic Health Policy and Management major, for students who want to be in the medical field, but may not necessarily want to work directly with patients. This gives them a chance to play a major role in health care, from an administrative position. Providence College students also have an opportunity to work in conjunction with Brown University. Biology and Psychology majors can take classes at Brown and receive a certificate in neuroscience.

Ursinus College- This is small liberal arts college in PA, about 45 minutes from Philadelphia. It is located in a suburban town and has a beautiful, green campus. Majority of students major in biology and business, but they also have a striving English department, and top notch writing program. They offer a creative writing scholarship, with the extra application due by February 15^th. Students must submit 10 pages worth of creative writing work to be considered, and if chosen students will receive $30,000 per year, and will have the chance to stay in JD Salinger’s room for one year…this award is named the JD Salinger Creative Writing Scholarship. Ursinus has a unique first year experience program, where all freshmen live and study together, hopefully creating a solid network. No classes are larger than 20 students, and students do not declare a major until after freshmen year.

Joseph D. Korfmacher