Thanks for pointing out that my assumptions regarding the diversity @ schools in the NE are horribly outdated. Perhaps my sense regarding “ill fit” isn’t about economics at all. I’m not sure what it is.
“Perhaps my sense about 'ill fit” isn’t about economics at all" (#40)
In an unintended way, it might be. As a rough indicator, colleges with a high percentage of economics majors (~10%+) will have a different campus feel than those with a more moderate percentage.
@Erin’s Dad
"^ That would be news to the usual ratings giant.
That’s why I said “elite.” Go down the ethnic diversity list. The first highly ranked LAC on the list is Amherst. Followed closely by Swarthmore and Wellesley.
Now go down the economic diversity list. The first highly ranked LAC on the list is… Amherst again. Followed closely by Grinnell and Vassar.
@ThankYouforHelp - Just a quibble: the schools are listed alphabetically when tied. Vassar, Grinnell, and Amherst rank the same for economic diversity. While Wellesley, Swat, and Amherst tie for racial diversity.
Re: financial need
As a single parent, if you run the Net Price Calculator, you have to run it once with your financial info and again with noncustodial parent’s info & add the results together (for schools that use CSS Profile).
Schools that only use FAFSA will only consider your finances & that could make a big difference. Earlham & Denison are FAFSA only. It can be a somewhat hit or miss endeavor, looking for FAFSA-only schools, but I highly recommend that you make sure there are at least 2 in the final college list.
@Basbleu, Small LACs tend to have distinctive personalities and cultures that are difficult to detect when you read descriptions. Economic status is certainly a factor, but I do think you’ll find a range at all academically rigorous LACs. Location, whether urban, suburban or rural, also impact culture, and how kids spend their time when they’re not in class. Other characteristics that influence ambiance are the level of political activism, participation in sports and outdoorsy activities, support for the arts (studio art and performing arts). I hope your son has a chance to visit a few to get a first hand feeling for fit.
I’m glad it’s already been pointed out that Amherst is very diverse, economically and ethnically, because it really is, and has worked very hard to be.
Amherst also has some unique ties to Japan: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/asian/japanese_language/amherstandjapan
As for the # of courses in Japanese there, you can add many more at the other 4 colleges in the consortium. All students can register at any of the other colleges and there is free (for students) bus service running between them. UMass is closest and has both an undergrad and grad program in Japanese. https://www.umass.edu/asianlan/courses/index.html
FYI
Japan Moves to Lure More Foreign Workers
Abe pledges to deliver the world’s fastest permanent-residency cards for skilled migrants
http://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-moves-to-lure-more-foreign-workers-1465371106
Elder care and construction, huh?
I hope you can visit Willamette. The exchange program with Tokyo International University means there are about 100 students from Japan on campus. They have a cafeteria that is dedicated to Japanese cuisine, and the food is very good. Music seems strong there. I think it would be ideal for someone with a serious interest in Japanese studies and music. I was kind of bummed that my daughter isn’t going there. She liked it, and thought it was the friendliest campus we visited. But maybe a little more intense than she wanted? Not really sure. Also, seemed to have the hipsterish vibe that I think OP mentioned? More beards there than other campuses we visited. Maybe Northwest location means more beards. None of the other campuses we visited were on the West Coast.