It’s summer and that means the College Sage and her helpers are road tripping to visit as many awesome colleges as possible to gain insights for her Sage-lings! Check out this year’s stops: Campbell, Richmond, Villanova, Lehigh and Lafayette!
Campbell University
You might think of camels as being in the middle of the desert, but these camels are in the middle of North Carolina! Campbell University is a 6,800 student private Christian university located in Buies Creek, NC in the center of the state. Founded in 1887 by a young Baptist minister, Campbell University continues its strong program in Divinity while also having added strengths in academic programs such as Education, Business, Pharmacy, and Law. Campbell boasts that the school enrolls more NC students than any other private college in the state, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their sights on broadening their student population. You will likely hear more about Campbell in the years ahead as the University’s 5th President and Board of Trustees are committed to extending the Campbell brand throughout the East Coast by 2021. Campbell students enjoy a host of long loved traditions from Welcome Week to Ring and Medallion Ceremonies, Camel Runs and Ghost Walks and even Midnight Breakfasts. The acceptance rate is about 60% at Campbell University and average test scores are in the SAT 1000-1200 vicinity and ACT 23 vicinity.
Villanova University
“V for Villanova; V for Victory”. The College Sage can tell you first hand that Villanova alumni are full of enthusiasm and school pride from tales and chants from family members. The 2016 National Championship for men’s Division 1 basketball confirms the winning feeling on the campus. What’s the “Villanova difference”? It’s a commitment to engage the mind and heart (two required theology courses), challenging students to think-critically in a rigorous academic program, creating ethical leader and change-makers, through long-lasting friendships that begin with a major investment in the students in the freshman year. With about 6,700 undergraduates and 10,000 total students, Villanova’s campus is in the leafy well-to-do suburbs of Philadelphia with easy access to central Philly and the airport. Admission standards have soared in recent years with average SAT scores now in the 1400 vicinity and average ACT in the low 30s. The vibrancy of the campus can be seen in the robust building program of recent years including new dormitories for upper classmen and the business school. Undergraduate schools range from arts & sciences, engineering, business and nursing. Villanova students rave about their experience on campus, so much so that there’s a three-year wait to get married in the St. Thomas of Villanova on-campus church!
Lehigh University
Lehigh in Bethlehem, PA is known for their engineering programs reflecting the original focus on math and science. Founded in 1865 with 39 male students, today Lehigh houses 5,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduates on its 2,400-acre campus and adding programs in education, business and the liberal arts through its growth. At Lehigh, students are encouraged to make the most of their education by personalizing their curriculum and pursuing a variety of majors, minors and interdisciplinary studies. In addition, the school awards about 66 Presidential Scholarships each year providing a tuition-free fifth year at Lehigh. While academics are top-notch, athletic fun abounds as well. The Mountain Hawks are 11-time champions in Patriot League footfall. Bethlehem may not be the go-to campus town, but there is continuing revitalization with initiatives that make Lehigh students positioned to benefit from an emerging innovation zone.
Lafayette College
Situated in Easton in Eastern Pennsylvania and founded in 1826, this college was named for the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was only 19 when he left his aristocratic life in France to fight for the noble idea of freedom in the American colonies. He came to America, remade himself as a scholar and became a leader. Lafayette, today is referred to as the “Hero of the Two Worlds”, for his service to both France and the US. The experience in America was so important to him that he emblazoned “Cur non” or “Why not” on his family crest. At Lafayette, this attitude continues. Today, 2,400 students carry forward the Marquis’ ideals of global citizenship, scholarly pursuits, leadership and concern for others. Approximately 30 students each year are awarded a $40,000 merit scholarship and some 10-15% of each class receive $24,000 merit award making Lafayette one of the more significant grantors of merit award at a private university. The College Sage likes the humbleness of the community, the beauty of the 340-acre campus overlooking the Delaware River, the breadth of the liberal arts curriculum, and the storied athletic history. Did you know that a Lafayette invented the football helmet, the football huddle and team rivalry? Check out the school’s Lehigh-Lafayette football game statistics since 1884! Go Leopards!
