I asked this: Rate Liberal Arts colleges by friendliness. This is what I got:
Ranking liberal arts colleges by their “friendliness” can be quite subjective, as it depends on individual experiences, but several liberal arts colleges are consistently praised for their inclusive, supportive, and friendly campus environments. Friendliness often comes from a combination of student body culture, faculty approachability, campus atmosphere, and student engagement. Here are some of the best liberal arts colleges known for their friendly, welcoming environments:
- Bates College
- Culture & Friendliness: Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, is often lauded for its strong sense of community and warm, collaborative environment. The school promotes inclusivity and kindness among students, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
- Student Body: Bates is known for its down-to-earth and supportive student body, where individuals are typically kind, open-minded, and eager to help each other out.
- Oberlin College
- Culture & Friendliness: Oberlin, located in Ohio, has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming campuses, with a strong emphasis on social justice, inclusivity, and creativity. The school fosters an environment of respect for diversity and individuality.
- Student Body: Oberlin students are known for their progressive values, and the campus is very supportive, with students often forming tight-knit friendships and supporting one another in academic and social endeavors.
- Hamilton College
- Culture & Friendliness: Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, is known for its friendly and inclusive environment. The school promotes an open-door policy among faculty and students, and the small student body creates a close-knit community.
- Student Body: Students here are often described as warm, genuine, and easy to connect with. Hamilton’s relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among students.
- College of the Holy Cross
- Culture & Friendliness: Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, has a close-knit, welcoming community where students support one another both academically and socially. The school’s Jesuit tradition emphasizes values of respect, service, and care for others.
- Student Body: Holy Cross students are often described as friendly and collaborative, with an emphasis on building strong, lifelong friendships.
- Carleton College
- Culture & Friendliness: Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, has a reputation for being one of the friendliest liberal arts colleges in the country. The campus culture is one of inclusivity, with students and faculty being supportive and approachable.
- Student Body: Carleton students are often described as academically focused yet laid-back and easygoing. The culture encourages collaboration over competition, making it a very friendly environment for new students.
- Williams College
- Culture & Friendliness: Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is known for having a close-knit and collaborative atmosphere. Despite its academic rigor, the school maintains a friendly and accessible culture where students help one another succeed.
- Student Body: Williams students are supportive, humble, and down-to-earth, making it an easy place to feel welcomed and connected. The lack of a competitive atmosphere contributes to a generally friendly vibe.
- Swarthmore College
- Culture & Friendliness: Swarthmore in Pennsylvania is known for its intelligent and engaged student body, but it also has a reputation for being very approachable and friendly. The college has a deeply inclusive culture where students look out for each other and collaborate on both academic and extracurricular activities.
- Student Body: Swarthmore students are welcoming, empathetic, and passionate about social justice, which fosters a positive, friendly atmosphere on campus.
- Grinnell College
- Culture & Friendliness: Grinnell College in Iowa is renowned for its openness and warm, supportive community. The small campus encourages students to build strong relationships and support one another, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Student Body: Students here are friendly, quirky, and non-judgmental, making it an easy place to connect with others. Grinnell emphasizes individuality and inclusivity, so no one feels left out.
- Wellesley College
- Culture & Friendliness: Wellesley College in Massachusetts offers a strong, empowering, and close-knit environment, with students known for their kindness, inclusivity, and leadership qualities. It has a welcoming environment for women, with a focus on collaboration and mutual support.
- Student Body: Wellesley students are known for being smart, but they are also approachable and supportive, fostering an atmosphere of friendliness and camaraderie.
- Middlebury College
- Culture & Friendliness: Middlebury College in Vermont has a strong sense of community, with students who are kind, approachable, and eager to collaborate. The school promotes a positive and inclusive atmosphere through its focus on sustainability, social justice, and global awareness.
- Student Body: Middlebury students are described as warm, down-to-earth, and eager to make personal connections. The college’s focus on creating an open, welcoming environment makes it one of the friendliest schools in the Northeast.
Honorable Mentions:
- Pomona College – Located in California, Pomona is known for its inclusive and welcoming community, with students often described as kind and open-minded.
- Wheaton College (MA) – Known for its supportive campus and focus on building strong personal relationships between students and faculty.
- Vassar College – Has a highly inclusive culture, with students creating a warm environment where everyone can find their community.
While the sense of friendliness can be highly subjective and based on individual experiences, these colleges consistently rank highly for their welcoming, supportive, and inclusive campus environments.
This is fun, but it is a parlor game and nothing more.