If Quaker values are important to you, consider these prestigious universities.
Some Quaker colleges and universities are among the oldest and most prestigious in the country. Therefore, it’s not unusual for people without a Quaker background to seek out an education at these schools. But how does the Quaker affiliation affect the college experience at these universities? Here’s an overview of what to expect from colleges with Quaker affiliations.
Colleges with Quaker affiliations can be a great higher education option for students regardless of their religious background.
Private Institution
Because Quaker colleges and universities were founded by a religious group and are supported with private funds, they are all private institutions. This may affect several aspects of the college experience for students who choose to attend these schools, including:
- Student Population Size: Most of the Quaker colleges and universities in the U.S. have a relatively small student body.
- Campus Size: Because the student population is typically smaller, the campuses are generally smaller and more intimate.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Many Quaker colleges have a low student-to-faculty ratio that enhances the learning experience.
- On-Campus Activities: Students at these schools may find that, in exchange for a smaller, more intimate campus, there are also fewer of the on-campus activities or opportunities you might find at a large public university. For example, Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania, does not have any fraternities or sororities. However, this school still has over 130 student organizations, and the only varsity cricket team in the country.
Students should consider both the pros and cons of attending a private institution when researching Quaker colleges and universities.
Photo: Explorepahistory.com
Cost
As mentioned above, Quaker colleges and universities are private institutions, so their tuition costs tend to be higher across the board. The plus side is that, despite higher costs, students coming from out of state won’t pay more than their in-state classmates.
At Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, tuition and fees total over $43,000 per year.
Fortunately, not all of the Quaker colleges are quite this expensive. For example, at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, tuition costs around $21,000 per year.
If you’re considering attending a Quaker college or university, be sure to determine whether you will be able to afford attending that school. Many of these colleges offer generous financial aid packages, so don’t rule any particular school out without first looking into these options.
Photo: Brynmawr.edu
Location
According to the Friends Association for Higher Education, there are 15 total Quaker colleges and universities located in the following U.S. states:
- California
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
Since multiple Quaker colleges are located in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, there’s a good chance that you’ll end up in one of these states if you choose a Quaker school. There are actually four of 15 Quaker colleges located in Pennsylvania alone. However, additional options in other areas of the country give you opportunities to live in other states as well.
Photo: Wikimedia.org
Academics
A top-notch education often leads both Christian and non-Christian students to apply to Quaker colleges and universities. Many of these institutions have developed reputations for outstanding academic opportunities and a rigorous learning environment. In fact, several of these schools have earned top rankings on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, including:
- #3: Swarthmore College
- #9: Haverford College
- #30: Bryn Mawr College
- #65: Earlham College
- #126: Whittier College
It’s worth noting that the top three nationally ranked Quaker schools (Swarthmore, Haverford and Bryn Mawr) are part of the Tri-College Consortium, allowing students at these colleges to take classes at the partnering institutions.
In addition to these nationally ranked schools, other Quaker colleges and universities have earned top spots in regional rankings. If a challenging academic environment is something you want out of your college education, any of these Quaker schools could be a great option.
Photo: Haverford.edu
Quaker Faith
The Quaker faith is applied in different ways among these Quaker-affiliated colleges and universities. While some don’t incorporate religion today, others still maintain the Christian values first instilled at their institution by this group. George Fox University, for example, calls itself a “Christ-centered university” and makes it a priority to help students develop spiritually. Students at Guilford College experience the five “normative” Quaker testimonies (integrity, simplicity, equality, peace, and direct and immediate access to God) as part of their curriculum. On the other hand, Swarthmore College was founded by the Quakers but maintains no religious affiliation today.
Photo: Wikimedia.org
Each school chooses to implement their Quaker association in its own way, so students considering these colleges should look into how the Quaker faith might affect their educational experience.
Colleges with Quaker affiliations can be a great higher education option for students regardless of their religious background. Consider the important factors mentioned above if you’re thinking about applying to a Quaker institution for college.