Colleges That Change Lives (US)

In 1996, Loren Pope, a former education editor for the New York Times, published the first edition of Colleges That Change Lives, a book that sought to spotlight institutions that provided an exceptional educational experience beyond the prestigious Ivy League schools. The idea behind the book was to shed light on colleges that might not be widely known but offered outstanding opportunities for personal and academic growth. The first edition of the book was so well received that it was updated for a second edition in 2006, which included some new additions and highlighted the lasting value of those institutions that were already featured in the original version.

Among the institutions featured in both editions, The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, stands out as a prominent example of a public institution that fosters collaboration, engaged learning, and personal attention, all of which contribute to the "life-changing" college experience that Pope set out to define. Alongside Evergreen, several other colleges—such as Lynchburg College, Hope College, McDaniel College, and St. Olaf College—are featured in the book, each with its own distinct qualities that set it apart from more traditional institutions.

The Evergreen State College, located in Olympia, Washington, is particularly notable for its inclusion in both the original 1996 edition and the 2006 updated version of Colleges That Change Lives. In fact, it was the only public institution featured in the original edition, and in the 2006 edition, it remained one of only two public institutions (along with the University of Puget Sound) and one of only three West Coast institutions included. Evergreen’s unique approach to education is one of the main reasons for its inclusion. The college fosters a learning environment that prioritizes collaboration and personal attention. With low student-to-faculty ratios, students are able to engage more directly with their professors and receive individualized guidance. This collaborative approach is enhanced by the college’s innovative curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study with guidance from faculty members.

Rather than relying on graduate students or teaching assistants, all classes at Evergreen are taught by professors, which ensures that students receive the highest quality instruction. Additionally, Evergreen emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw connections between different fields of study and approach problems from multiple perspectives. The college’s commitment to engaged learning and its focus on the personal development of students make it an institution that lives up to its place in Colleges That Change Lives. Students at Evergreen are not only encouraged to pursue academic excellence but also to grow as individuals in an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Lynchburg College, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is another institution featured in Colleges That Change Lives (1996 and 2006). Lynchburg is one of only two colleges in Virginia to be included in the book, alongside Emory and Henry College, and one of 40 colleges nationwide. The guidebook describes Lynchburg College as one of the hidden gems of higher education, with a focus on providing students with a life-changing college experience. One of the main reasons for Lynchburg’s inclusion in Pope’s book is its commitment to undergraduate education and its strong emphasis on creating a close-knit, supportive community. The college has a tradition of nurturing students academically and personally, offering an education that emphasizes both intellectual development and moral growth.

The small size of Lynchburg College allows students to form strong connections with their professors and peers, creating an environment where each student is supported in their academic pursuits and personal growth. In addition to its focus on individual attention, Lynchburg College is known for its well-rounded curriculum and strong liberal arts foundation, which provides students with the critical thinking skills and intellectual versatility needed to succeed in a wide variety of fields. The college’s commitment to cultivating leaders who are both academically accomplished and socially responsible has earned it a well-deserved place in Colleges That Change Lives, highlighting its transformative potential for students.

Hope College, located in Holland, Michigan, is another institution featured in Colleges That Change Lives, where it is described as one of 40 “life-changing” colleges that is “outdoing the Ivies and the major universities in producing winners.” Hope is recognized for its dedication to providing an education that goes beyond the purely academic, emphasizing moral and intellectual growth. The college’s approach to higher education is grounded in the belief that students should be prepared not only to succeed in their careers but also to be thoughtful, compassionate, and ethical members of society. This focus on developing the whole person is one of the key reasons why Hope College is highlighted in Pope’s book.

Hope is committed to fostering a community where students are encouraged to think critically about their place in the world, and where faculty members work closely with students to guide them through both academic challenges and personal growth. The college offers a strong liberal arts education that includes a wide range of disciplines, from the sciences and humanities to the arts and social sciences. Hope College’s rigorous academic programs, combined with its emphasis on character development and service to others, make it a place where students are equipped to thrive both professionally and personally. For students looking for a holistic college experience that prepares them for success in all aspects of life, Hope College offers a transformative education that aligns with the ideals set out in Colleges That Change Lives.

McDaniel College, located in Westminster, Maryland, is another institution that earned a spot in Colleges That Change Lives for its commitment to providing a life-changing educational experience. The book describes McDaniel as one of 40 colleges that “will raise trajectories, strengthen skills, double talents, develop value systems, and impart confidence.” What sets McDaniel apart from other colleges is its dedication to nurturing students’ personal and intellectual growth, ensuring that they graduate with not only academic knowledge but also the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. McDaniel emphasizes a strong sense of community, with small class sizes that foster close relationships between students and professors. The college’s programs are designed to challenge students to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and take ownership of their learning experiences.

In addition to its strong academic offerings, McDaniel College is known for its vibrant campus life, where students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities, internships, and service learning projects that help them grow both as scholars and as individuals. The college’s comprehensive approach to education, which combines intellectual rigor with personal development, makes McDaniel College a transformative experience for those seeking to make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world.

St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, is another institution that is featured in Colleges That Change Lives, where it is described as one of the premier colleges in the Upper Midwest. St. Olaf is the only college in Minnesota and the only Lutheran college in the nation to be included in the book. The college’s commitment to providing a life-changing educational experience is reflected in its rigorous academic programs, strong sense of community, and emphasis on character development.

St. Olaf is known for its exceptional liberal arts education, which encourages students to engage deeply with a broad range of disciplines while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective. The college also has a strong tradition of preparing students for leadership roles, both in their careers and in their communities. St. Olaf’s commitment to service, social responsibility, and ethical leadership further underscores its place in Colleges That Change Lives, making it a standout institution for students who seek not only academic excellence but also a meaningful and purpose-driven college experience.

In conclusion, Colleges That Change Lives highlights a select group of institutions that offer transformative educational experiences, blending academic rigor with personal growth, community engagement, and a commitment to developing students into leaders and responsible citizens. Institutions like The Evergreen State College, Lynchburg College, Hope College, McDaniel College, and St. Olaf College embody the values that Loren Pope sought to promote in his book—colleges that prioritize undergraduate education, provide strong student support systems, and foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and personal development. These colleges are not just about getting a degree; they are about providing an education that shapes students into individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society. For students seeking an education that challenges them, encourages them to grow, and prepares them to lead with purpose, the institutions featured in Colleges That Change Lives offer a path to a truly transformative college experience.