Barton College (BC)

Barton College is a “small” school with a lot of heart. From the moment you step onto the campus, the “family-like atmosphere” becomes palpable. And undergrads quickly boast that “intimate class sizes” and “close relationships with professors” are a staple of life here. The college also has plenty of non-traditional students and many are grateful to discover peers in their own “age group.” Moreover, flexible class schedules make it relatively easy for undergrads to balance both work and family obligations. Academically, students brag about the “great” nursing program as well as stellar education and social work departments. Across the board, students happily describe their professors as “awesome.” Indeed, they “take the time to get to know each of their students and they make themselves very accessible.” Importantly, they also have a knack for “bringing real world…experiences [into] the classroom.” Further, Barton “professors are excellent at presenting the information in a way you can understand, and most have an open door policy that allows students to just walk right in their office for help whenever the door is open.” Undergrads also truly appreciate the fact their teachers “are very accommodating [when it comes] to individual students' situations.” Finally, as one highly content junior sums up, “My school is all about helping their students find their passion, achieve their goals, and making their dreams a reality.”

A “laid back” group, Barton students do tend to prioritize their education. Indeed, a biology major quietly reveals that his friends certainly “study a lot.” Fortunately, these “stereotypically southern” undergrads can quickly break out of their academic mode and frequently display their “fun” and “goofy” sides. A handful of students tell us that many of their peers can be categorized as either “Greek” or an “athlete.” Luckily, most everyone is “friendly and kind” and we’ve been assured that “it's pretty easy to find a group of people that you fit in with.” And that’s precisely what you would expect from a college where students “hold doors” and “people go out of their way for one another.” Lastly, as one nursing major matter-of-factly summarizes, “The typical student is one that knows how to study and do homework, but still have a social life. Most students feel like they fit in because everyone is in the same boat trying to stay sane while keeping up with school work and hanging out with friends.”

While some people refer to Barton as a “suitcase college” and a few students might gripe that “a lot of people go home for the weekends,” others insist that “there is always something fun to do, whatever your interests.” As an elementary education major shares, “I have a lot of fun participating in activities that our campus activities board puts together. [For] example, last week they had free manicures and pedicures on campus.” Additionally, “a lot of students get involved in Greek life and clubs related to their major.” Athletics are also fairly big at Barton and basketball especially is “very popular.” Unfortunately, hometown Wilson doesn’t offer too much excitement. However, students love to head into town to “watch movies” or “go out to the bowling alley.” And, when undergrads are thirsty for a little more adventure, they can always head to nearby Raleigh.