http://www.schoolchoices.org/colleges/in/pennsylvania/major/116
@Gatormana, not sure if that list helps
@Gatormama
Middlebury College has a top ranked Environmental Program
Yup, thanks, Middlebury is already on the list (and likely that’s as far as that will go; she doesn’t have the stats unless they’re feeling charitable).
I came across this scholarship:
http://www.thepafoundation.org/S_WellsFargo.php
Here is another one
DD has looked at the above scholarships, unfortunately many aren’t open yet; trying to get a head start isn’t working out at this time. 
@Gatormama, have you looked at the individual programs for the Environmental Studies at the state schools and compared the courses to say Middlebury? See maybe which ones have similar courses? Also, is it a degree that usually requires at least a Masters? That might add another layer to your search.
As to Shippensburg. When I took DS there 2 years ago, I liked the campus. However, that is all I remember of it and can’t really compare it to say Bloom. 
Also, it was undergoing renovations at that time, yet I still liked it. I think the biggest downfall is the location. It does seem like it is in the middle of nowhere.
However, my BIL’s youngest daughter graduated from there last year. She LOVED the school. They are from Philly and her sister went to Drexal, but she chose Ship. She has gone back to visit since graduating. I am also thinking they had a scholarships page unlike many of the other state schools.
@bester1, if you don’t mind my asking, how is the job market for western PA? I know around here, you can’t even buy your way into a job. I know it is advised it is probably best to get a teaching degree in the state you plan to teach.
Well, maybe not advised, but a strong suggestion.
yes…I think you are correct! Getting a teaching degree from the state you plan on living makes great sense…however …my kid just turned 18…I do not believe she has any idea where she will live. We would luv for her to stay in western pa but…you never know.
U.S. News Releases 2018 Best Colleges Rankings…
https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2017-09-12/us-news-releases-2018-best-colleges-rankings
The flawed 2018 U.S. News college rankings…
http://www.standard.net/National/2017/09/12/The-flawed-2018-U-S-News-college-rankings
14 Reasons Why US News College Rankings are Meaningless…
https://www.liberalartscolleges.com/us-news-college-rankings-meaningless/
I love how you note the arrival of the list and tear it to shreds, all in one post
I think all of the ranking systems have flaws.
The “schools.com” one has been heavily promoted by PASSHE schools lately (including Cal U and Slippery Rock) because it shines a good light on and is favorable to PASSHE. However, they tend to mix together online and on campus options as part of the review, and the overall ranking criteria is suspect to me. All schools will point to a good ranking in their promotional materials as long as the source is somewhat reputable.
Sorry about that…I just don’t ever want people to make a decision based on information that maybe helpful yet incomplete and with potential flaws. It has to fit the student, be affordable and designed with student success in mind.
Although I enjoy the rating/reviews…I know that they are not the end all. Besides, my kid couldn’t get into Harvard and if she was able…I couldn’t afford it. There are just so many factors and the rankings just give a snippet.
Slippery Rock ranked among the top 10 safest college towns in America…
Lots of PASSHE towns on the list.
Millersville news…Largest freshman class in 13 years.
http://blogs.millersville.edu/news/2017/08/25/largest-freshmen-class-ever-at-millersville/
Hmm, Millersville has also increased enrollment. Maybe parents are starting to balk at the cost of PSU, Pitt, etc. ??
I know a lot of people get hung up on rankings and prestige, where our concern is cost, major, & cost. Also, with the state schools, I am concerned with whether they will still be operating in 4 years for DD to graduate.
@bester1, I saw your post about your daughter maybe switching to teaching. I did a lot of research on states that have the highest teacher salaries, PA is one, and have looked into Bloom, WCU, etc.trying to find the best fit for DD.
So, last night DD fills out the application for Bloom and announces she is putting Computer Science for her major. What??? I know she had to switch out a class w/ a conflict in her schedule, and took a CS class. Apparently she is doing well, and the teacher told her a girl in CS should do well in the job market. Since she also did a robotics program in middle school and really liked it, hey, why not.
Anyone have any opinions on the PASSHE schools for CS?
@laralei, I would have your D apply to IUP as well, and the Cook Honors college.
The honors visit we did a few years ago was nice, they live in their own residence hall, which I believe costs much less than suite style housing, and they can get extra scholarships.
http://main.abet.org/aps/accreditedprogramsearch.aspx
You can search for ABET accredited computer science programs in PA, there quite a few PASSHE schools listed.
@laralei To your point on state schools being here 4-6 years from now, I would look at it this way. The recent commission and report on “fixing” the PASSHE system did not even recommend closing or consolidating the PASSHE schools that are struggling the most, including Cheney, Mansfield, Edinboro. Even if they did recommend closing some, those would probably be the first to go (but that wasn’t the recommendation). The stronger PASSHE schools in terms of enrollment (West Chester, Bloom, Ship, Slippery Rock, maybe IUP and Millersville) have a long way to go before they close.
We liked Millersville quite a bit, but their costs (along with the new dorms) were generally higher for some reason. I want to say they were about 3K more per year than Bloom and WC.
West Chester U. raises record $57.6 million; 420 new scholarships on tap…