Fiske Guide to Colleges and Best Buy Schools

The Fiske Guide to Colleges is a widely respected resource that evaluates colleges and universities across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain based on a variety of factors, including academics, campus life, and financial value. The 2010 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges highlighted several institutions that stood out for their academic rigor, campus culture, and overall student experience. Among the top performers in this edition were Baylor University, Cornell College, The College of New Jersey, and Knox College. These schools earned recognition as “Best Buy” institutions, which signifies their exceptional value in terms of academic quality, affordability, and student satisfaction. The inclusion of these universities in the Fiske Guide reflects the growing recognition of institutions that offer a well-rounded and enriching experience for students.

Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, earned a prestigious spot in the 2010 Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of the “Best Buy” universities in the United States. Baylor is the only Texas Big 12 institution to be included in this exclusive list, alongside just 43 other private and public colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. The university’s inclusion in the guide is a testament to its academic rigor, strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, and its focus on undergraduate teaching. Baylor University offers a diverse range of academic programs, including strong offerings in the liberal arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. With a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention, Baylor emphasizes a close-knit learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

In addition to its academic strengths, Baylor University is also recognized for its vibrant campus life and commitment to student well-being. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, service opportunities, and a competitive athletic program. Baylor’s Christian affiliation further enriches the university experience, providing students with opportunities for spiritual growth and service to others. The recognition of Baylor as a “Best Buy” in the Fiske Guide reflects the university’s exceptional value in terms of both academic quality and affordability. With a combination of top-tier academics, a supportive campus environment, and a commitment to holistic student development, Baylor University is an outstanding choice for students seeking a well-rounded and enriching college experience.

Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, also earned recognition in the 2010 Fiske Guide to Colleges as a “Top Financial Find” and one of the “44 Best Buy Schools.” Cornell College is known for its unique academic structure, which features a one-course-at-a-time approach known as the “block plan.” This innovative system allows students to focus on a single course for an entire three-and-a-half-week period, giving them the opportunity to dive deeply into each subject matter and engage in hands-on learning experiences. The block plan has garnered attention for its ability to foster more intensive, immersive learning experiences that encourage students to take ownership of their education and explore academic subjects from multiple perspectives.

Cornell College’s commitment to excellence is not limited to its distinctive academic approach. The college also offers a strong liberal arts curriculum, with a variety of majors in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The institution’s academic programs are complemented by a campus environment that fosters a sense of community and personal growth. Cornell’s small size and close-knit student body allow for meaningful relationships between students and faculty members, creating an atmosphere in which students feel supported and empowered to succeed. The art department at Cornell College was also recognized by the Fiske Guide as one of the top departments among small colleges and universities, highlighting the institution’s strength in the arts. This recognition further underscores Cornell College’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that nurtures both intellectual and creative development.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), located in Ewing, New Jersey, earned a prominent spot in the 2010 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of the country’s best and most interesting colleges. TCNJ was praised for its strong focus on undergraduate education, offering students a more personalized and intimate learning environment typically found at private institutions. This recognition comes as a result of TCNJ’s commitment to providing high-quality teaching and fostering strong relationships between professors and students. The Fiske Guide noted that TCNJ’s academic atmosphere is similar to that of an Ivy League school, with a focus on intellectual rigor and personal development, but without the high price tag typically associated with Ivy League institutions.

TCNJ offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with particular strength in the liberal arts, business, engineering, and education. The college’s emphasis on academic excellence and student-centered learning ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in both their professional careers and personal lives. TCNJ’s campus is known for its attractive, well-maintained grounds and its proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York, providing students with ample opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and professional networking. The Fiske Guide highlighted TCNJ’s commitment to undergraduate education, its top-tier faculty, and its beautiful campus setting, making it one of the most highly regarded public institutions in the country.

Knox College, located in Galesburg, Illinois, was also recognized as one of the country’s “best and most interesting colleges” in the 2010 Fiske Guide to Colleges. Knox College is a small liberal arts institution that has earned praise for its strong academic programs and the close-knit community it fosters. The Fiske Guide noted that Knox College’s academic environment prioritizes intellectual engagement and personal development, encouraging students to be individuals while also fostering connections with their peers and professors. This emphasis on both academic rigor and community building makes Knox College a unique and attractive option for students seeking a college experience that offers both intellectual depth and personal growth.

Knox College’s academic offerings span a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and arts. The college’s commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education is evident in its broad curriculum and interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students at Knox are encouraged to explore a variety of academic fields, while also developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their future careers. The close-knit atmosphere at Knox College allows for meaningful interactions between students and faculty, with professors often serving as mentors and guides throughout students’ academic journeys. The Fiske Guide praised Knox College for its ability to balance academic rigor with a strong sense of community, making it one of the top choices for students seeking a comprehensive and supportive college experience.

In conclusion, the 2010 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges highlighted several outstanding institutions that are known for their academic excellence, strong campus communities, and overall student satisfaction. Baylor University, Cornell College, The College of New Jersey, and Knox College are just a few of the universities that earned recognition as “Best Buy” schools, offering exceptional value for students seeking a high-quality education at an affordable price. These institutions stand out not only for their academic programs but also for their commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed both academically and professionally. Whether through innovative academic structures, personalized attention, or vibrant campus life, these universities offer students an enriching experience that prepares them for success in the world beyond college.