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College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Rural Colleges 2017".
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 …
Set S.M.A.R.T goals to take aim and focus on your next endeavor
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! …
You should consider attending a medium sized college
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 …
A coin jar with pennies and dimes spilling out of it.
affordability & college cost

Why Should College Be Free?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 6, 2023
Should college be free? It’s an oft-asked question with a complicated and arguably unclear answer. With rising college costs and the student debt incurred the question is only being brought up more often. So why should college be free? Well, there is evidence that it could help to close the inequality gap, encourage learning, and …
Graduating students in red robes and caps sitting together.
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 …
Roxie wearing a graduation cap
college news & trends

Introducing Roxie the College Raptor!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
She is the icon and mascot of College Raptor. But, few know much about this little velociraptor beyond her striking image of a dinosaur wearing a graduation cap and sunglasses. Introducing Roxie the Raptor! She’s a clever girl who spends her time hunting down the best college matches for the users of our site. She …
Finding a wheelchair accessible and friendly campus is important to many students.
college search

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 …
Sea grant colleges focus on marine science.
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 …