Best 373 Colleges (US)

The Princeton Review’s 2011 edition of The Best 373 Colleges highlights a selection of institutions that excel across various categories, such as academic excellence, student satisfaction, and distinctive attributes. This prestigious list of colleges is drawn from the top 15% of four-year U.S. colleges and universities, reflecting their outstanding features and commitment to providing students with quality education and experiences. Among the institutions celebrated in this edition, several stand out due to their unique attributes, innovative programs, and strong reputations. Below are a few notable colleges that have earned recognition in the guide.

Mills College

Mills College is an exceptional institution that continues to impress with its academic and environmental achievements. For the sixth consecutive year, it has earned a spot in The Best 373 Colleges list, reflecting its consistent standing as one of the nation’s top institutions. Mills College is particularly noted for its inclusion among the Best in the West, a recognition given to only the top 120 regional colleges. This honor places Mills alongside some of the most prestigious schools in the Western U.S., making it a standout choice for students seeking a top-tier undergraduate education in this region.

What sets Mills apart is its commitment to environmental sustainability, as evidenced by its remarkable score of 97 out of 99 for environmental practices and policies. This makes Mills one of the greenest colleges in the nation. The college’s sustainable initiatives, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly campus practices, position it as a leader in environmentally conscious education. This dedication to sustainability, coupled with a rich academic environment, makes Mills College an appealing choice for students interested in both a quality education and a commitment to social responsibility.

Cornell College

Cornell College has also earned its place in The Best 373 Colleges, cementing its status as one of the best undergraduate institutions in the country. Not only does it rank highly in terms of overall academic quality, but it is particularly renowned for its theatre program, which is ranked 15th in the nation. This ranking, a one-spot improvement from the previous year, underscores the strength of Cornell’s performing arts curriculum, which is supported by a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that nurtures creativity and artistic expression.

The college operates on a unique Block Plan, which allows students to immerse themselves fully in one subject at a time, facilitating deep learning and more personalized academic experiences. This distinctive approach sets Cornell College apart from other institutions and is particularly effective for students who thrive in focused, intensive learning environments. The school’s inclusion in The Best 373 Colleges speaks to its overall commitment to providing a comprehensive and dynamic education that caters to the intellectual and creative needs of its students.

Angelo State University

Angelo State University is recognized as one of the country’s elite colleges and universities by The Princeton Review, making it one of only three state-supported universities in Texas to receive this prestigious designation. This recognition places ASU alongside other major Texas institutions like Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin, acknowledging its outstanding academic programs and campus environment.

ASU’s consistent performance in national rankings reflects its strong commitment to providing students with a high-quality education, bolstered by dedicated faculty and a supportive academic community. With programs ranging from arts and sciences to business and health, Angelo State provides a wide array of opportunities for students to pursue their academic and professional goals. The institution’s presence on the honor roll highlights its efforts to maintain academic rigor, student satisfaction, and overall excellence in higher education.

Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm College stands out in the 2011 Princeton Review rankings not only for its academic strength but also for the vibrancy of its campus life and its focus on student well-being. The college has earned a place among the country’s best undergraduate institutions, and it is particularly noted for the quality of its food, earning a 16th-place ranking among the top 20 colleges in the U.S. for this category. This attention to student experience extends beyond just the classroom and into the overall campus environment, which includes a beautiful, scenic campus and a variety of opportunities for community engagement and political involvement.

Saint Anselm’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and activism among its students is particularly evident through its active campus culture, which encourages students to engage in both local and global political and social issues. The college’s reputation for providing an enriching, well-rounded undergraduate experience is complemented by its commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in various fields. This holistic approach to education, combined with the college’s impressive academic offerings, makes Saint Anselm an excellent choice for students seeking a dynamic and supportive college experience.

Other Noteworthy Features of the 2011 Princeton Review Rankings

The Princeton Review’s 2011 edition of The Best 373 Colleges is more than just a guide to academic institutions—it’s a reflection of the diverse attributes that define success in higher education. For each school included in the guide, The Princeton Review conducts surveys of students to gather firsthand feedback on various aspects of college life, from campus culture to the quality of instruction. The resulting rankings provide prospective students with a comprehensive view of what each school has to offer.

The colleges featured in the guide are recognized not only for their academic strength but also for their ability to create a thriving campus environment that supports students’ intellectual, personal, and social growth. Whether it’s through a commitment to sustainability, as seen in Mills College, or through an innovative academic structure like that of Cornell College, the schools highlighted in this edition are distinguished by their ability to offer unique and enriching educational experiences.

Conclusion

In the 2011 Princeton Review rankings, schools like Mills College, Cornell College, Angelo State University, and Saint Anselm College represent the diversity and excellence that are characteristic of America’s top colleges and universities. From Mills College’s leadership in sustainability to Cornell College’s unique Block Plan approach, each institution offers a distinct educational experience that is shaped by both academic rigor and a strong commitment to student development. With its focus on environmental responsibility, academic excellence, and a well-rounded campus culture, these schools exemplify what it means to be included in The Best 373 Colleges.