<p>With fewer than 3,000 undergraduates, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and no courses taught by teaching assistants or graduate students, the University of Richmond ensures that students learn from intensive interaction with exceptional teachers. Richmond ranks among the top 35 schools in the country for undergraduate research, lab and library facilities are state-of-the-art, and generous funding is available for undergraduate projects. Students play a significant role in research alongside faculty as early as the summer before they officially enrollopportunities typically not available to undergraduates at larger research universities. The quality of the academic experience is reflected in the number of Marshall, Goldwater, Clarendon, Truman, Fulbright, and other prestigious scholarships recently awarded to Richmond students.</p>
<p>One of the top liberal arts institutions in the country, the University combines the benefits of a small college with the academic resources of a larger institution. Richmond is home to the outstanding School of Arts & Sciences, the Robins School of Business (whose undergraduate program is ranked 12th nationally), and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies (the first school of its kind in the nation). Students are guaranteed the opportunity to take courses in all three schools and to draw on offerings of the School of Law and School of Continuing Studies to shape an integrated academic program unlike any other.</p>
<p>Richmond offers an excellent student experience outside the classroom. There are 19 Division I athletic teams, 275 student organizations, and a remarkable range of leadership development opportunities. Students may choose to participate in the student governments of the leadership school, the business school, Richmond College, and Westhampton College. Internship opportunities in a broad range of fields help students prepare for professional life. Nearly 60% of students also participate in the Universitys 75 study-abroad programs, which help prepare them for life as global citizensand help make Richmond the hottest school in America for international studies, according to Newsweek. Richmond students are also engaged citizens locally, putting knowledge into action to make a meaningful difference. Nearly two-thirds of undergraduates participate in the volunteer, service-learning, and community-based research programs coordinated by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, and nearly 100 earn the distinction of Bonner Scholar (making Richmonds the largest Bonner Scholars program in the country). </p>
<p>The University supports a first-class infrastructure and remarkable facilities. By January 2011, academic and student life will be augmented by four significant additions to the campus: the 5,900 square foot Westhampton Center of Westhampton College; the 9,000 seat on-campus, multi-purpose stadium; the 57,000 square foot Carole Weinstein International Center; and the 36,800 square foot Queally Hall addition to the Robins School of Business. </p>
<p>Richmond brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds to live and learn together. Undergraduates come from nearly all 50 states, the District of Columbia, several U.S. territories, and more than 70 countries and include many first-generation college students (15% of the fall 2008 entering first-year class). The University is consistently recognized for its affordability and has been named one of the top-20 best values in private colleges by Kiplingers Personal Finance; one of the nations 100 best value colleges by USA Today/Princeton Review; and second among liberal arts schools that pay off in terms of graduates earning power by SmartMoney. Richmonds need-blind and full need policies for U.S. citizens and permanent residents mean that it does not take their ability to pay into account in making admissions decisions and also meets their full demonstrated need. Each year, Richmond provides nearly $50M in financial aid to more than two-thirds of undergraduates: approximately 45 freshmen receive a full-tuition merit scholarship; the average need-based aid package awarded in 2008-2009 was $34K; and Virginians with a family income of under $40K receive grants equal to full tuition, room, and board. In addition, the University boasts the largest percentage increase in the number of students receiving federal Pell Grants of any top liberal arts college in the country, evidence of Richmonds commitment to accessibility. Through its new strategic plan, The Richmond Promise, the University will bolster access and affordability, making the financial aid process still more transparent to families, and will also provide financial resources to ensure all students can take advantage of service, internship, and study abroad opportunities.</p>
<p>In short, Richmond is a model of innovative undergraduate education: responding to real-world challenges by ensuring access to the power of education as a vehicle of opportunity, providing students with a global perspective and practical experience in a diverse learning community, and weaving together the liberal arts with pre-professional and professional training to give students the foundation for leadership and success and the tools to build a life.</p>