Recent tours for my average midwest girl looking for a small or medium school. I purposefully picked 3 very different schools/locations for this trip.
Rider: Same/Went in Neutral- may not apply only due to possible change in majors
More suburban. Surrounding area felt pretty safe. Likely need to uber for other stuff to do.
Went to Bronc for a Day. Sat in metal folding chairs for an hour in the gym listening to the standard college stuff.
Limited food options but they have been making dorm and dining updates
12:1 student teacher ration
Diverse student body (a huge plus for my D25)
We found campus to be clean and easy to navigate with some green space.
D25 thought it was odd they did not include a tour for potential students (they really push their visit 3 times for free textbooks).
They were supposed to have food trucks but they told us it was their largest group they have ever had (100 plus people) so the 1 pizza slice food truck and 1 ice cream truck were overwhelmed with long lines so we just left.
They are a CommonApp only school. They said to answer all questions. If you apply EA you get free parking and best aid.
Average aid is 14-27k merit. Its 12-20k for transfer students.
Stockton: Same/Went in neutral- will likely still apply
This place is a fortress compound if you are into that sort of place.
Very updated and modern. Looks like an airport.
Buildings are simply “A block” “C block” etc.
As it is so tucked away from everything, the Osprey cash is accepted at many restaurants, cvs, even salons
Free cable, laundry, printing
$10 bus rides to major cities.
ESA are allowed. Free telehealth therapist within 15 minutes of calling.
While the buildings were nice, it felt very odd to me. D25 didn’t totally hate it though and it could be in cost range so we will see.
Saint Joseph’s-Philly: Went in w/little knowledge of the place/Went UP for D25
More suburban part of Philly
Older stone buildings
Classes max at 35 students
Freshman are in dorms, Sophomores in apartment style. Jr/Sr off campus. They are building the “second largest dorm in PA” planned to open Fall 2026 for freshman.
30% Greek. Dorms have a/c and communal baths.
Only 1 food hall but there are a few places walkable nearby.
2 hrs of free tutoring a week.
Jesuit school/core reqs. The tour guide was a part of many service organizations and that is what really sold the school for D25. She was drawn to the service learning aspect of Jesuits. While she has toured other Jesuit schools, I think this tour guide just was more open and active with how he volunteers and projects he has done and D25 thought it was interesting.
The tours helped D25 to further narrow her choices and wants in a school. I have a much better idea of what she is looking for! (And adding a school or two to her already long list!)