<p>While I absolutely agree with bclintonk regarding research opportunities, especially in light of the fact that most physics programs, even at outstanding universities, are quite small, a student may prefer having smaller introductory courses or a more cohesive environment.</p>
<p>As far as Lawrence and Carleton being in the middle of the Midwest, well they are. But according to their common data sets or institutional profiles, Lawrence is 76% white, Carleton is 67% white, while Bucknell is 80% white. Also both Lawrence and Carleton aren’t exactly isolated in farmland. In fact Carleton is in a suburb of two major cities.</p>