<p>There is a huge difference between a school that is not socially liberal and a school that will fire a professor if he converts to Catholicism.</p>
<p>Don't think anyone has mentioned Marquette University. Great school, well respected, good economics--family friend of ours graduated a couple years ago and majored in economics, and during his junior or senior year, went to D.C. through Marquette's Les Aspin Center to intern at Capital Hill, because of it right out of college he became the press secretary for Congressman Paul Ryan dealing with mostly economic issues. Definately check out Marquette!</p>
<p>D1 choose Illinois Wesleyan over Knox and Beloit. To me, all 3 had a completely different feel to them. Beloit is set up like a Northeast LAC with it's housing grouped together on one side of campus. The staff ws very friendly and helpful. We didn't find much to do in the town and it would be difficult to walk to many places that students would frequent. Students seem to live up to the quirky label. We visiting Knox on the coldest day of the year. We could barely lift our head up to see the campus. THe tour was rushed and it was difficult hearing the tour guide when we were walking 50 mph. We had a scholarship interview where the schedule got botched and we were forces to get pushed to the back of the line. The neighborhood around the campus has seen better days. Great school for a student that thrives in creative atmosphere (especially writing), but the lack of organization around our visit soured us. Illinois Wesleyan is dominated by Illinois students, but very smart Illinois students. Bloomington is not Chicago, but it has a more metropolitian feel than most of the other midwest LAC's listed hear. The fact that Illinois State is a mile away gives the school more of a small college within a big college feel. Staff has been great and individual attention is top notch. Biology, Nursing, and Music are ome of the better programs. As a parent, it is hard for me to think of many negative aspects of the school for our D.</p>