Academics
Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, swears by the Centre Commitment: all students will study abroad, have a research opportunity or internship, and graduate within four years, or else they’re given an additional year at the college tuition-free. At this liberal arts school, about a quarter of students double-major, choosing from more than fifty majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. The school prides itself on “community-based learning initiatives through various service groups” and partnerships with community organizations, and there are “ample internship and career opportunities” as well as “a high level of student engagement in professor research.” There is also the unique CentreTerm, which is a three-week period in January during which students can take classes abroad, complete internships or research, or take immersive courses that go beyond traditional lectures in order to expand one’s knowledge and “engage in new and interesting, and often more applicable, curriculum.”
“There is no greater support here than from the professors,” who have an “intentionality in getting to know and teach students.” They “make it really easy to get excited about learning” because “they really aren’t here in Danville for any reason other than they love to teach and are incredibly good at it.” Most of the faculty “maintain a difficult class curriculum and work load” but “are usually clear about what they are expecting from their students” and “offer office hours far beyond the required amount.” The “academics here are unparalleled,” and while Centre “is a hard school … it is not competitive among students.” As one student sums it up: “Your friends and classmates are there to support you.”