Schools that rule: Careers & Colleges gives its picks of underrecognized schools that deserve a closer look

Careers and Colleges, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Don Rauf

Some colleges and universities get a lot of press while other schools deserve more recognition for the quality education they provide. The editorial staff at CAREERS & COLLEGES is always on the lookout for these schools--many you may not have heard of, but they provide strong academic programs, terrific professors, a vibrant student life, or other opportunities for personal development. Check out our picks one may offer the perfect education for you. Note: "R&B" stands for "Room & Board" and "Size" refers to number of undergraduates.

AURORA UNIVERSITY, AURORA, IL

WWW.AURORA.EDU TUITION: $14,250 R&B: $6,324 SIZE: 1,446

Aurora has a long track record of providing quality higher education, primarily to students from the Midwest. Founded in 1893, the school offers a broad range of study from the traditional liberal arts, such as history, psychology, and biology, to more career-oriented programs, such as nursing, social work, education, and pre-law. The most popular major is business. The athletically inclined might join one of the many Division III sport teams (known as the Spartans), and the academically inclined might win a Colonel Sanders' scholarship (the Colonel has a long family history with the school).

BENTLEY COLLEGE, WALTHAM, MA

WWW.BENTLEY.EDU TUITION: $24,324 R&B: $9,580 SIZE: 4,325

Future tycoons might seriously consider Bentley as a training ground to build their business brawn. The school has steadily gained a reputation for combining technology and the humanities with its business curriculum, its management information systems and techno-MBA programs are highly rated. Although just 10 miles from Boston, the campus itself offers plenty to do, from Super Bingo nights to Latin dance to pool tournaments. And when it comes time to find a job, Bentley is popular with recruiters. Last year, 763 firms visited the campus.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

WWW.CMICH.EDU IN-STATE TUITION: $4,747 OUT-OF-STATE $11,119 R&B: $5,524 SIZE: 19,696

Midwesterners really can't go wrong with Central Michigan. It is a big school with a relatively low price tag and a recognized scholarly reputation. The school places strong emphasis on research, internships, and advanced technology. Some of the notable programs are in mathematics research (working with algebra, graph theory, and matrix theory), child psychology, and Native American studies.

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY, OMAHA, NE

WWW.CREIGHTON.EDU TUITION: $19,348 R&B: $6,984 SIZE: 3,607

Creighton is an academically strong, private Jesuit university situated in the heartland. The school's pre-law, nursing, and business programs are especially noteworthy. Because it is Catholic, the school stresses faith-based extracurricular activities. Cultural awareness is heavily promoted on campus with programs dedicated to Latinos, Asians, African-American, and Native Americans. Students get especially excited about their baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, and it's not unusual to see fans paint their entire bodies in the school color, blue.

HARTWICK COLLEGE, ONEONTA, NY

WWW.HARTWICK.EDU TUITION: $26,315 R&B: $7,050 SIZE: 1,400

Located on 475 beautiful acres in rural central New York, this small private liberal arts college is a great alternaTive to the name ivy League schools. With an 11:1 student teacher ratio, students get close personal attention from their profs. Highly regarded programs include music education, overseas study, and science. The price tag may be a bit high, but about 78 percent of students receive financial aid. For fun, the campus is a natural outdoor playground.

LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY, APPLETON, WI

WWW.LAWRENCE.EDU TUITION: $25,089 R&B: $5,652 SIZE: 1,300

Lawrence is another terrific small liberal arts college that deserves a closer look, especially if you're interested in the study of music, visual and performing arts, or social sciences, its music conservatory and laser physics program are renowned. The event schedule is packed with lecturing authors in literature, architecture, science, art history, and Spanish. And don't be discouraged by the price tag--Kiplinger's cites the school for its generous aid packages.

MARIST COLLEGE, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY

WWW.MARIST.EDU TUITION: $16,800 R&B: $5,980 SIZE: 5,200

Marist has been a rising success story, and along with the nearby Culinary Institute and Vassar, the school has put Poughkeepsie on the map. Overlooking the majestic Hudson River, Marist now ranks among the top 10 percent of all colleges in the U.S., according to The Princeton Review, getting high marks for its small classes, great professors, internships, and job placement. Through a partnership with IBM, the school provides a real-world education in IT.

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY, BOZEMAN, MT

WWW.MONTANA.EDU IN-STATE TUITION: $4,145 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $12,707 R&B: $5,780 SIZE: 10,676

With the motto "Mountains and minds," Montana State really delivers that academic Rocky Mountain high. Students from around the world come for undergraduate study in the liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, architecture, education, engineering, and nursing. Plus, because this is a state school, you really get your money's worth. Unique academic programs cover plant pathogens and natural history filmmaking.