Allegheny College (AC)

Students at Allegheny College feel encouraged by the school’s distinctive and flexible approach to education to mix and match different fields of interest: “You have students who major in neuroscience and minor in English, or major in economics and minor in philosophy.” This speaks to the school’s rigorous and rewarding academic program, which emphasizes “achieving personal intellectual growth.” This is proven in the classroom, where it’s said that “students often ask questions in class and actively engage in discussions,” and this “passion for education makes class discussion lively and enhances the overall experience of an education.” Students note that “the majority of professors at Allegheny are wonderful and extremely helpful,” and the small class sizes create opportunities for meaningful interaction and guidance. Many students emphasize the accessibility of faculty: “I love the fact that I can go speak to any of my professors about anything and get the help I need.” Another hallmark of the Allegheny experience is the required senior research project. One student explains, “The senior research project we are required to complete before graduating does a lot to bolster résumés and prep students for graduate schools.” Beyond strengthening academic and professional credentials, the project serves as a unifying experience that “inspires a level of camaraderie and cooperation unusual for a college.” As one student says, “Allegheny does a good job of making us think critically, while also allowing us to still enjoy our college experience.”

Allegheny College has a “very welcoming, judgment-free student body,” where “generally people are accepting of your identity, restrictions and boundaries.” Students appreciate the school’s commitment to admitting “students from different cultures and a general acceptance of varying creeds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and races,” and view Allegheny as an “excellent melting pot of ideas, experiences and identities.” On the whole, “academics are important to Allegheny students,” who are “incredibly involved, engaged, and passionate about what they do.” The “majority of [the] student body prides itself on social justice and service work,” with one student sharing, “Just being on this campus is an education in politics…and environmentalism.” Students routinely refer to their peers as unique, “all with their own very different interests,” forming a “diverse community that offers many viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences.” However, one thing that Allegheny students share is a strong sense of connection and belonging, often pointing to the college’s “family-like atmosphere” as one of its defining and best qualities.

“The campus is very lively,” thanks in part to the requirement that students live in on-campus housing for four years, or eight full semesters. “In addition to going to classes and studying in between, most students try to get actively involved with campus life” and weekends often center around on-campus activities. And with numerous school-sponsored clubs and organizations, “everyone can find something [they’re] passionate about at Allegheny.” Students also take advantage of the “natural beauty of this region” through outdoor activities. Popular choices include Outing Club events, which range from backpacking and skiing to canoeing and white-water rafting. “Community service and volunteer work are also important” aspects of student life, along with athletics—“games are well attended and tailgating is popular among students on the weekends.” For those interested, Greek life is also available “if you want it to be a part of your experience.” Overall, the campus is a tight-knit community that is “small enough that you will see a familiar face wherever you go, without feeling like you know everyone on campus.”

Allegheny College students are encouraged “to think about things in a completely different perspective, which aims to make us unique and specifically individualized for potential careers.” Allegheny’s Office of Career Education is “very helpful and proactive with internships and job placement,” and faculty members are excellent resources as well. “Most of my internships have come from [a] professor recommendation; as in they found the opportunity, made me aware that I would be a good candidate, and then helped me with the application process,” says a student. Over the past five years, 75 to 89 percent of Allegheny graduates completed one or more internships prior to graduation, enhancing their job skills, experience, and networking opportunities. And one day each semester, students set aside classes and schoolwork for “Gator Days,” where student explores what they are interested in doing after graduation via alumni panels, department open houses, and other professional opportunities. PayScale.com reports that Allegheny alumni earn a median starting salary of $58,700, with 33 percent working in a STEM-related field.