college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Research Universities: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As their name would suggest, research universities focus heavily on research! While many of these academically-inclined institutions have undergraduate programs, a great emphasis is put on their graduate / doctoral programs. At research universities, students can earn their PhDs and go out into the world to change it. So we’ve come up with a list …

college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Rural Colleges: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not every great college is located in the Big City. In fact, there are numerous colleges set in rural areas that are equally prestigious as their urban-dwelling counterparts. Here are College Raptor’s Top 25 Rural Colleges for 2017! 25. Asbury University Location: Wilmore, KY Student Enrollment: 1,879 College Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above Asbury …

tips tools & advice

How High School and College Students can Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 2, 2024

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. SMART goals help high school students, college students, and even employees design realistic goals. Setting these types of goals can potentially increase the chance of achieving them. SMART goals could be exactly what you need to meet your newest goals or resolutions you set this year! …

college search

Why a Medium-Sized College Might be Right For You

By Gwyneth FindlayLast updated on December 22, 2022

Without visiting college campuses, it’s hard to get a feel for how a college’s size will influence your experience as a student. But trust me on this: a medium sized college is the ideal fit. What is a medium sized college? College websites offer their various definitions, but the consensus generally falls in the 2,000 …

affordability & college cost

Why Should College Be Free?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 22, 2025

Key Takeaways: Some arguments in favor of free college include the ideas that it could help lower student debt, close income gaps, and reduce stress. However, it’s not quite clear where the funding would come from for free college, and there’s worries that it would diminish a degree’s value. Other programs, including targeted scholarships, free …

college majors & minors

Psychology and Sociology Majors: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The fundamental difference between sociology and psychology comes down to how many people are involved. Sociology deals with a group of people while psychology focuses on the individual.  When thinking about what you want to major in at college, there can often be some confusion. A lot of majors seem similar or just sound like …

questions & answers

Why are Graduation Rates so Low Across the Country?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

More and more often, we see schools that grant bachelor’s degrees having low 4-year graduation rates. Some programs seem to extend to 5 or even 6 years frequently. However, even across these extra years, the rates can be low. The same applies to schools that grant associate’s degrees; only 28% of students graduated with an …

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Best Wheelchair Accessible Colleges

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students focus on different things when deciding what colleges or universities to attend. Things like the majors that it offers, the academic programs, the dorms, the sports team, and many others are aspects most students find out before deciding. But what if you are a wheelchair student? You’ll have to look for wheelchair accessible campuses …

questions & answers

What is a Sea Grant College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

What is it? In 1966 Congress passed an act called the National Sea Grant College Program Act. In partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the program would promote research, education, training, and projects in relation to conservation of coasts, marine areas, and Great Lakes resources. There are 33 colleges and universities taking part …

tips tools & advice

5 Ways to Avoid Procrastination

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2024

Key Takeaway Procrastination is when you keep putting off the tasks you need to do, often by focusing on less urgent, more enjoyable activities. While it might feel good in the moment, procrastination often leads to increased stress later on. To overcome procrastination, it’s important to recognize that you are doing it and identify the …