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

OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY, ATLANTA, GA

WWW.OGLETHORPE.EDU TUITION: $19,100 R&B: $6,060 SIZE: 1,195

With its mascot the Storm Petrel and a president named Larry D. Large, Oglethorpe is certainly an institution with character. To blow off steam, students join in a giant annual tug of war called the Battle of Bloody Marsh and a campus festival called Stomp the Lawn. On the academic side, the school is known for its teacher education program, as well as majors in business administration, biology, and psychology. Plus, the school's location affords internships with major corporations.

RIPON COLLEGE, RIPON, WI

WWW.RIPON.EDU TUITION: $19,940 R&B: $5,055 SIZE: 971

As a small liberal arts college, Ripon demonstrates a strong commitment to academics and campus unity. In fact, one class period each week is dedicated to "The Golden Hour," during which all students are encouraged to come together for a special event. To promote critical thinking, Ripon requires all first year students to read a popular book--this year it's Nickel and Dimed about working minimum-wage jobs in America. Ripon believes in the powers of communication, and its Communicating Plus Program hones written and oral skills, especially as they apply in the business world. Other notable academic tracks are in social science, biology, and psychology.

UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, AKRON, OH

WWW.UAKRON.EDU TUITION: $6,682 OUT-OF-STATE: $12,674 R&B: $6,250 SIZE: 24,305

As a public research university, Akron has gained national recognition for its programs in international business, dance, law, gerontological nursing, applied politics, sales and marketing, industrial psychology, and engineering. Its polymer science and engineering program is one of the best in the country. Beyond the cutting edge curriculum, the university offers students proximity to a host of cultural, sports, and recreational venues. Plus, Zippy the Kangaroo is a mascot students can really root for, and the tuition won't break the bank.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, BIRMINGHAM, AL

HTTP://MAIN.UAB.EDU IN-STATE TUITION: $3,880 OUT-OF-STATE: $7,810 R&B: $5,940 SIZE: 7,166

For a school situated in the heart of Alabama, UAB has far-reaching academics. One of its programs sends students to Antarctica to research the biochemical defenses of plants and animals. Its courses of study run the gamut from gender studies to French, but business and education are the top majors. UAB especially shines when it comes to health majors, and its medical school is in the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Also, as a state school, the price can't be beat--even for those coming from out of state.

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND, PORTLAND, OR

WWW.UP.EDU TUITION: $22,020 R&B: $6,670 SIZE: 2,588

This old Catholic school prepares its grads for careers in medicine, law, engineering, business, and teaching. As a faith-based university, Portland has a concern with justice and ethical behavior. The Center for Entrepreneurship and the teaching staff have both won national awards for excellence. For extracurricular activity, students may join any of 40 clubs, such as a bicycle club, a biology honors society, a business fraternity, and running and soccer teams. Study-abroad options are plentiful, but Portland itself offers many opportunities for internships in an urban setting set in the greenery of the great Northwest.