Sierra Nevada uses its spectacular mountain location, 35 miles from Reno, to the fullest -- with opportunities for study in more than 30 majors, minors and concentrations. A nearby alpine meadow or mountain peak provides the sort of hands-on experience students at other schools can only read about. The ski resort management, entertainment technology and entrepreneurship programs are distinctive. Our new Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences (shared with U.C. Davis) affords even more opportunities for learning.

SNC students hail from across the U.S. and the world, drawn by our educational offerings and recreational opportunities. Students can choose from 10 skiing/snowboarding resorts within a 45-minute drive. With ski lodge-inspired architecture and dorms that would put some hotels to shame, our campus projects an inviting space in which students make friendships that last a lifetime. Sierra Nevada also offers a Master of Arts degree in Teaching, a Master of Education in advanced teaching and leadership programs.

Affordable Excellence is 21 career-enhancing programs of study. It is faculty committed to student success -- and who put teaching and advising first. It is a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for smaller classes – an average 16 per class. It is a vibrant and active community beyond the classroom, with Division III sports, clubs and organizations, community service, student government and an array of special programming.

Affordable Excellence is all of this and more at a cost significantly less than many private colleges -- and comparable to many state institutions. For 2009-2010, SVC's total cost of tuition, room and board is just $27,520.

Our student body is diverse. Students come from 20 states and six countries. Approximately 17% of our students identify as belonging to a non-majority racial or ethnic group. The most popular majors at SVC are business (5 different majors, including a new program in entrepreneurship), nursing, criminal justice, radiologic technology and psychology. 82% of our graduates have job or graduate school placements one year after graduation.

With an 8:1 student/faculty ratio, IIT is committed to providing a distinctive and relevant education through hands-on learning, dedicated teachers and undergraduate research opportunities. 24% of classes have fewer than 10 students; 90% have fewer than 40 students. Classes are taught by senior faculty -- not teaching assistants -- who foster a culture of innovation with their own first-hand research experience.

Students are immersed in IIT’s interdisciplinary approach to learning through the team-based, creative problem-solving experience of the Interprofessional Projects Program (IPROs). In Spring 2009, students completed over 50 projects, including IPRO 340: Improving Health Care Information Systems in a Community Health Services Network and IPRO team 351: Custom Clothing: E-Tailoring that Delivers Customer Value.

The world-class city of Chicago enables priceless student access to internships and employment. IIT's Office of Undergraduate Research provides mentored collaborative research experiences. The entrepreneurship program challenges students to develop start-up technology companies. University Technology Park at IIT, a business incubator located on campus, supports this challenge by providing numerous opportunities to work with companies at every stage of growth, from conception to sophistication.

IIT’s diverse student population mirrors the global work environment; 97% of students receive financial aid. In addition to the undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. programs on main campus, IIT also includes Chicago-Kent School of Law, Institute of Design, Stuart School of Business and the Center for Professional Development. IIT competes in the NCAA Division 1 Chicagoland Athletic Conference.

A liberal arts university dedicated to academic excellence, NWU is a top national producer of Fulbright scholars and ranks 12th in the nation with 104 Academic All-Americans. Two-thirds of NWU students go on to graduate or professional school. The university earned one of the nation’s top awards for global emphasis in higher education, the 2008 Sen. Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. NWU was one of 15 colleges invited to participate in the inaugural U.S. Department of State Internship Fellows Program.

Approximately 1,500 undergraduate students enjoy a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a broad-based curriculum of 48 majors, 40 minors and 18 pre-professional programs. Graduate programs in forensic science, nursing and historical studies serve approximately 225 students.

Nebraska Wesleyan enjoys an award-winning Global Service Learning student organization, a vibrantly productive Theatre Department and nationally recognized choirs. Students compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports, participate in 75 campus organizations and collaborate with faculty to conduct research.

Nebraska Wesleyan is the fifth Nebraska school to join Tuition Rewards -- and our 30th member affiliated with the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU).

Chaminade is located in the historic Kaimuki district of Honolulu. The school specializes in business, communication, criminal justice, education, forensic science, interior design and religious studies degree programs. Top students can apply for selection in the inter-disciplinary Hogan Entrepreneurial Program, open to students from all undergraduate majors.

Chaminade is named after the founder of the Society of Mary, Father William Joseph Chaminade, a survivor of the French Revolution persecutions of Catholic leaders. The school became a four-year college in 1957 and added graduate programs in 1977. In 1982, Chaminade defeated #1-ranked University of Virginia, with 7-foot-5 Ralph Sampson, in what is considered the biggest upset in college basketball history, 77-72.

Taylor offers 93 undergraduate majors to its 1,871 students from 44 states & 31 foreign countries, with education and business among the most popular. Taylor offers international study programs in 32 countries. In addition, the school offers short-term missionary experiences in 7 countries and Alaska.

Since 1846, the mark of a Taylor education has been to enlighten the mind and ignite the soul. Inscribed on the University seal is the motto "Lux et Fides" – light and faith, a standing testament of Taylors dedication to both ideals. Taylor is not only one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in America but one of the earliest coed colleges. The 952-acre main campus is located 50 miles south of Fort Wayne and 70 miles north of Indianapolis.

Offering its 1,400 students a choice of 700 courses and 34 majors, Lycoming draws students from 31 states and 10 foreign nations. Located in scenic, north-central Pennsylvania, Lycoming offers extensive internship opportunities, a four-year scholars program, funded undergraduate research options and study-abroad opportunities at seven affiliate schools.

A student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 18 keeps students engaged academically. Nineteen intercollegiate sports and more than 75 clubs and organizations provide students with meaningful activity on campus and in the community. The most popular majors are biology, psychology and business; archaeology and creative writing are two of the fastest growing departments. Founded in 1812, Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest U.S. colleges.

Widely applauded for the effectiveness of its hands-on, interactive approach to learning, RPI is home to 5,357 resident undergraduate students from 48 states and 67 countries – 64% in the top 10% of their high school class. RPI awarded 1,143 bachelor's, 672 master's and 158 doctorate degrees in 2008. Of RPI's 401 full-time faculty members, 398 hold Ph.D. degrees or the highest degree possible in their field.

Founded in 1824, RPI offers 39 majors, including aeronautical, biomedical, environmental and nuclear engineering. RPI is committed to the development of innovative technologies in fields such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.

The Princeton Review ranked Rensselaer #2 on its 2007 edition of “More to Do on Campus,” thanks to 160 clubs, sports and organizations. An experimental media and performing arts center opened in October 2008, showcasing RPI's distinctive electronic arts programs. The Mueller Fitness Center boasts 32,000 square feet for treadmills, cross-training machines, free weights, aerobics, yoga and kickboxing.

Founded in 1871, ONU offers the advantages of a larger research university with the personalized attention found at a smaller college. Students discover abundant opportunities; find support for turning their passions into pathways; and, make lifelong connections to ensure successful futures.

ONU kicked off a $100 million fundraising campaign in November and has already raised $65 million toward its goal. The average GPA of the entering class is a 3.64, with 38% of freshmen in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

Located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, EMU (Harrisonburg) prepares students to serve and lead in a global context, providing cross-cultural study, a supportive Christian community and a focus on service to others. 97% of EMU students are working or studying in their chosen field within one year of graduation. 90 percent of our pre-med grads are accepted into medical school, well above the national average (47%). EMU's nursing, teaching and other professional placement rates are equally impressive.

Student success has much to do with the personal attention received on campus. Full Ph.D.-level professors not only teach classes (11:1 student/teacher ratio), but they open their offices and homes to students, whom they get to know on a first-name basis. Hands-on original research, community service, interaction with local immigrants, and projects across disciplines are examples of how EMU uniquely mentors students as they explore faith and vocation.

Graduate schools and employers look forward to applications from EMU graduates because of their strong work ethic, cultural sensitivity, adaptability and high ethical standards.