<p>Another feature that might distinguish some of the “regional” schools from “national” LACs is the number of commuters. At Belmont (a Southern regional university), 48% of students are on campus during weekends, on average. At Earham (a national LAC), 95% are on campus during weekends, on average. I assume these numbers (from USNWR) reflect the number of commuting students, although some of the “commuters” may in fact be living in off-campus housing nearby.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for an academically intense school with “socially-conscious” students who enjoy philosophical discussion, then you’re probably not looking for a suitcase or commuter college. Maybe better to stick to the CTCL or USNWR National LAC lists. </p>
<p>LACs whose alumi have the highest rates of earned PhDs in the humanities include:
St. John’s College (CTCL)
Reed (CTCL)
Amherst
Swarthmore
Carleton
Bryn Mawr
Wesleyan</p>
<p>LACs whose alumni have the highest Peace Corps volunteer rates include:
Earlham (CTLC; avg. merit scholarship ~= $10400)
Whitman (CTCL; avg. merit scholarship ~= $8500; 54% of freshmen get merit aid)
Lewis & Clark (avg. merit scholarship ~= $10600; 35% of freshmen get merit aid)
St. John’s (CTCL)
Warren Wilson
Carleton
Colorado College (avg. merit scholarship ~= $7900; 12% of freshmen get merit aid)
St. Mary’s College of MD</p>