Chatham University

Originally founded as a women's college, Chatham University in Pittsburgh went coed in 2015, and the student makeup remains predominantly female. Students report that "the history of Chatham University as a women's college remains largely intact." Chatham "is a liberal arts college, and you can tell," meaning there is a "wide variety of intellectual disciplines" represented among the student body, and there are "many opportunities to excel and become a leader within your group." The school is "constantly seeking ways to help students find who they are and help give them a voice to speak with," and focuses on global awareness, sustainability, and "inclusion of all, not just women." At the end of the day, Chatham is a friendly school that encourages people to be "very active, well-rounded people who contribute to the world in a positive way." Classes are small "so you get to have great discussion and good relationships with your professors." "I can stop by office hours to discuss coursework, or the latest headlines of interest, or even which bakery they'd recommend for macaroons," says one student. Teachers "pay very close attention to issues of race, gender, and cultural understanding" in all of their course materials and lectures and "will engage in discussions with these topics whenever they come up and never shy away or divert the discussions."

Chatham's student body is "very diverse," according to students, and "it's common to see all races, religions, sexual orientations and personal expressions on campus." There are "a lot of feminists on campus," and "most people care about equality for all, social justice, and equal rights." The "entire attitude of Chatham's campus is mutual respect among peers," and "everyone is actively engaged in becoming more empathetic and compassionate." Students welcome newcomers easily and "try to get everyone involved," and "everyone is very passionate about events on campus." Each year "has a special bond," though "you'll find seniors talking to first-years and everything in between." This is an individualist group to the max, and "no one is alike here, not even in the slightest bit." "You may not get the typical social college experience, but you will meet a lot of smart people," says a student.

Classes, studying, and homework are the first priorities at Chatham. There is no Greek life or a traditional party atmosphere: "It's very calm, and people mostly focus on their studies." Student students looking for parties can very easily go to one of the other nearby schools in the Pittsburgh area. (Chatham students "often spend time with students from the other universities.") The "very small and often quiet" campus is in the middle of two neighborhoods in Pittsburgh "that have excellent cafes and shops," and if students have free time, they'll head downtown "to catch a game, do some more intense shopping, or meet up with friends from other schools." Students get free public transportation and admission to the Carnegie museums and "take full advantage of that." Plenty of deep traditions at Chatham make fun activities on campus "like Relay for Life, bonfires, movies, midnight breakfast, basketball games (and other sports), and more."