Newsweek/Kaplan College Guide

The partnership between Newsweek and Kaplan in producing the annual college guide since 1996 has become an invaluable resource for prospective students and their families, offering insights into the nation's top-performing colleges and universities. The 2010 edition of the Newsweek/Kaplan College Guide highlighted 25 standout institutions that exemplify academic rigor, social responsibility, innovation, and community engagement. These institutions were recognized not just for their academics but for their commitment to providing students with opportunities for personal growth, service, diversity, and leadership. Among the top performers in the 2010 Newsweek/Kaplan College Guide are Elon University, the College of William & Mary, Smith College, Soka University of America, and Marquette University, each of which has distinguished itself through unique academic programs, social engagement, innovation, and diverse opportunities.

Elon University, a private liberal arts university located in North Carolina, was celebrated by Newsweek-Kaplan as one of the top 25 institutions in the 2010 edition of the guide. The university was specifically recognized as "The Leader in Engaged Learning," an honor that speaks to Elon’s emphasis on hands-on experiences, innovative teaching, and fostering a sense of community among its students. Elon’s reputation for innovation stems from its commitment to experiential learning programs that blend academics with real-world applications. These opportunities include research opportunities, internships, service-learning projects, and study abroad programs that emphasize student engagement and collaboration. Elon University’s dedication to innovation and its strong sense of community create an environment where students are not only challenged academically but are also empowered to build meaningful connections with peers, faculty members, and their communities. The recognition from Newsweek-Kaplan highlights the university’s success in integrating learning with personal development and social responsibility.

The College of William & Mary is another standout institution highlighted in the Newsweek-Kaplan rankings, having appeared on three of the top 25 lists in 2010. The university was ranked 9th among “Most Service-Minded Schools,” emphasizing its strong commitment to community service and civic engagement among its student population. Service-oriented programs and opportunities are deeply embedded within William & Mary’s mission, with students encouraged to participate in programs that enhance community development and address social issues. Additionally, the university was ranked 21st in both “Most Desirable Suburban Schools” and “Best Schools for Future Power Brokers,” further emphasizing its appeal to students seeking academic rigor, strong programs in leadership development, and a dynamic suburban campus environment. The College of William & Mary has established itself as an institution that balances strong academics with opportunities for leadership, service, and innovation, providing its students with the tools needed for successful professional and civic engagement.

Smith College, a renowned liberal arts institution located in Northampton, Massachusetts, also stood out in the Newsweek-Kaplan College Guide. The 2010 edition highlighted Smith’s Ada Comstock Scholars Program, which was described as “rare for a selective liberal arts college—a successful effort to stock the student body with...students far beyond their teenage years.” This innovative program was particularly noteworthy because it provides opportunities for non-traditional students, many of whom are older women seeking to return to college to complete their degrees, access new opportunities, or explore intellectual and personal growth. Smith’s emphasis on inclusivity and flexibility allows these students to thrive in a supportive and stimulating academic environment. The Ada Comstock Scholars Program represents Smith College’s dedication to broadening access to higher education and its recognition of diverse educational journeys, making the institution both innovative and socially conscious.

Another institution that earned a place among the Newsweek-Kaplan top performers is Soka University of America. Soka University was recognized in several categories, such as Most Diverse Schools, Great Schools with Great Weather, Most Desirable Suburban Schools, and Most Desirable Small Schools. These accolades showcase Soka University’s focus on diversity, internationalism, and student-centered education. Located in Aliso Viejo, California, Soka offers students a small, intimate campus environment, combined with rigorous academics and a strong commitment to global perspectives and cross-cultural learning. Its emphasis on diversity allows students from a variety of backgrounds to share experiences, foster dialogue, and engage with unique perspectives. The university's location in Southern California adds another layer of appeal, offering students access to beautiful weather, a diverse cultural landscape, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Soka University of America has managed to create a dynamic and inclusive academic environment that prepares students to engage meaningfully with their communities and the global context.

Marquette University, a Jesuit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is another institution that received special attention in the Newsweek-Kaplan rankings. The university was listed as 11th in the “Most Service-Minded Schools” category. This ranking highlights Marquette’s commitment to service, leadership, and social justice, in alignment with the Jesuit tradition of educating students to become ethical, engaged citizens. The university’s recognition was based on Washington Monthly’s rankings as well as other academic guides such as the Fiske Guide to Colleges and U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges. Marquette offers a wide array of degrees and programs and emphasizes creating opportunities for students to engage in service, community building, and ethical leadership. Its efforts to integrate academics with social responsibility make Marquette a strong choice for students seeking meaningful educational experiences and opportunities for social impact.

These five institutions—Elon University, the College of William & Mary, Smith College, Soka University of America, and Marquette University—demonstrate the core values celebrated by the Newsweek-Kaplan College Guide. Each institution has its own unique approach to academics, community engagement, service, diversity, and student opportunity, reflecting the dynamic nature of higher education. These schools are not only centers of intellectual development but also hubs of innovation, community service, inclusivity, and personal exploration. Whether through experiential learning opportunities, community outreach programs, specialized scholarship programs for non-traditional students, or global diversity initiatives, these institutions prepare students for both the challenges of the modern world and the opportunities to make a positive impact.

The Newsweek-Kaplan College Guide serves as an important resource for students seeking colleges that prioritize both academic success and community engagement. By focusing on these priorities, the rankings highlight the schools that are redefining what it means to educate students not only for careers but also for service, citizenship, and personal growth. These colleges represent the intersection of tradition, innovation, service, and opportunity, creating pathways for students to lead fulfilling lives while contributing meaningfully to their communities. The recognition of these institutions emphasizes the idea that higher education is about more than just academic achievement—it is about preparing students to lead, to serve, and to make a difference in the world.