I frequently read about PA LACs like Dickinson, Gettysburg, F & M, Juniata, Allegheny, Ursinus, Muhlenberg, Susquehanna, etc.
Dd will probably apply to a few of them as matches and safeties, but I’d like some financial safeties in the form of big MAC in case those are unaffordable.
Looking around, I’ve seen there are quite a few PA LACs that aren’t talked about as much but could still provide a good education and nice opportunities, like Elizabethtown, Lycoming, Westminster, Washington & Jefferson, St. Vincent College, Lebanon Valley College, and more.
I am hoping someone could share opinions of LACs like those, what the schools are like, areas of strength and weakness, etc.
I can offer some information on Westminster. We looked at it with my daughter and knew others who went there awhile back. It has a strong science and math program for females. For students with the higher stats, they offer very good merit aid. We knew someone who received a full tuition scholarship,double majored in math and computer science, and received good job offers. They used to bring in students from several states, NY, OH, DC area. Not sure if that is still the case. There was also a good theater and education program.
The campus is nice, has a lake and upper student townhouses. The school I believe requires a swimming course. There is a student from our high school who is a freshman there now, went for the swimming. Down side to some is location. It’s safe, but not in an urban location which good turn some away. They may also be pulling in more locally than they used to be.
We will be visiting some of the PA colleges you first mentioned with my son this year. He as strong scores and will be looking for merit. Would be interested in any feedback you have if you tour. Good luck in your search!
@jcmom716 , thanks for the review of Westminster. It is very helpful. I hope you come back and post more reviews as you visit! I look forward to reading them!
@macmiracle my son is a high school senior. We’re going to Lycoming’s accepted student day on 4/2 to help with his decision! He went to a wrestling camp there but I’ve never seen it. One of his coaches graduated from there about 2 years ago and loved it. They also give nice merit awards making it comparable to in State NJ schools for us.
I loved the Elizabethtown and Lebanon Valley campuses, both are small schools like Lycoming. But they were too much money for us given are son’s not so spectacular GPA. I can tell you Lebanon Valley has a great actuarial program- 1/2 the actuaries at my Fortune 100 company got their degrees there.
Good luck in your search!