Cool schools at cool prices

Careers and Colleges, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Robert Franek

Some people equate a steep college sticker price with success and status. But many schools with low tuitions turn out successful students. All of the schools below are under $25,000 and many cost less than $10,000. Costs include tuition, room and board, and fees. The cost for out-of-state students is listed in parentheses.

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

PROVO, UT

Cost: $8,950

www.byu.edu

Admission to BYU is no joke, standards are strict. And on campus, standards are even stricter. Students are expected to live by an honor code which prohibits sex, drugs, alcohol, and caffeine. The predominantly Mormon student population is familiar with the teachings of the faith and likes how religion is linked to undergraduate education. Those non-Mormon students should understand what the religious-based curriculum requirements mean for them--everyone must take seven religion courses in addition to general education classes. Students report a great quality of life, coupled with academic excellence.

CAL POLYTECHNIC STATE U

STATE LUIS OBISPO

Cost: $13,608

www.calpoly.edu

If you're looking for a hands-on education, check out California Polytechnic State University in beautiful San Luis Obispo. The school, whose philosophy is "learn by doing," encourages students to get real experience by taking on co-op jobs and internships, or participating in one of the college's agricultural enterprise projects. (Some students grow grapes to sell to local wineries.) Business, agribusiness, and mechanical engineering are the top three majors at the laid back school. Most students live off-campus so joining clubs and organizations is key to staying plugged in to campus life.

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON, SC

Cost: $7,661 ($13,395)

www.cofc.edu

College of Charleston could be the pin-up example of a great state school with a private school feel. Although the college boasts nearly 10,000 students, it manages the number well and has a soft touch with first-year students. A solid liberal arts school, College of Charleston offers majors from across the board, with noteworthy programs in business, communications, and education. Most impressive is the school's and student's pride in the historic City of Charleston. Charleston is one of the best small cities in the country, often ranking high on lists of "Most Livable" towns. The city is student friendly, offering many attractions during school and many employment opportunities after graduation. And did we mention it's a mere 10 minutes from the ocean and beach?

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

POINT LOOKOUT, MO

Cost: $3,740

www.cofo.edu

You can't get much cheaper than free, which is what the tuition is at College of the Ozarks. (The cost listed above is for room, board, and fees.) All entering students are required to work an average of 15 hours per week at a campus job for the privilege of graduating debt-free. Many students carry additional jobs to cover incidental expenses. Combining the mix of on-and off-campus work with a challenging course load earns the college the nickname "Hard Work U.." Students at College of the Ozarks do get out, though. Located near the resort town of Branson and smack dab in the middle of some great natural resources, students have lots of opportunities to blow off some steam. College of the Ozarks does have a commitment to Christian ideals, so drinking and drug use are not tolerated.

ELON UNIVERSITY

ELON, NC

Cost: $18,795 ($20,595)

www.elon.edu

Elon University's popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years. The university's commitment to providing a solid liberal arts education is clear, but it also seeks to emphasize a practical education as well. The school is widely known for its successful teacher education program where students get hands-on classroom experience during freshman year. Elon provides each student with leadership training, internships, and study abroad opportunities. The school, located 30 minutes northwest of Durham and Chapel Hill, also offers a dual degree engineering program with North Carolina State University. Elon takes care of its students. It recently opened a state-of-the-art health and counseling center to cater to the wellness needs of its students.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, FL

Cost: $6,402 ($11,993)

www.famu.edu

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is one of a relatively small number of HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). FAMU has an undergrad population of a bit over 10,000 and lots of happy, HAPPY students. "Why?" you ask. The university continues to please current students by offering top-notch academic programs in the classical liberal arts, as well as practical and performance-based majors (architecture, engineering, music, theater). The university earns points, too, for its unmistakable school spirit, great support of its sports teams, computer-savvy initiatives, and excellent career network.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

FAIRFAX, VA

Cost: $9,918 ($18,762)

www.gmu.edu

George Mason has all the pluses of a big school, and some of the pitfalls, too (large classes, long lines). Academics are solid, though, with professors who will go out of their way to assist students who make an effort to get to know them during office hours. This school is definitely doing something right. George Mason's programs in management and government studies are superior and deserve special mention. Connections to nearby Washington D.C. are avail able for in-class assignments, internships, and entertainment. Students generally complain that George Mason lacks a strong sense of community due to the significant commuter population.