There are more than 2,200 four-year colleges in the United States. This year, 10 colleges in North Carolina have been included in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Compiled by former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske, is a selective, subjective and systematic look at 300-plus colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.
According to the press release, North Carolina schools featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2012 are:
Davidson College ó Has always been styled as the ěDartmouth of the South.î Goes head-to-head with Washington and Lee (Va.) as the top liberal arts college below the Mason-Dixon Line. An early leader in the trend to replace loans with grants, it boasts a strong honor system that sets the campus tone.
Duke University ó What fun to be at Duke ó face painted blue, rocking Cameron Indoor Stadium as the Blue Devils win again. Duke is the most prestigious private university in the South, similar to Rice in selectivity, and academically competitive with the Ivies and Stanford. Strong in engineering as well as the humanities.
Elon University ó a Best Buy pick. A rapidly rising star among liberal arts colleges in the Southeast and an emerging name nationwide. With a welcoming environment and a supportive faculty, Elon is good at taking average students and turning them on to the life of the mind. Classic-looking campus adds to the appeal.
Guilford College ó A Best Buy pick. Guilford is one of the few schools of Quaker heritage in the South. Emphasizes a collaborative approach and is among the most liberal institutions below the Mason-Dixon Line. Guilfordís signature program is justice and policy studies.
University of North Carolina at Asheville ó The ěotherî UNC happens to be one of the best educational bargains in the country. At just over 3,600 students, UNC-Asheville is about half the size of fellow public liberal arts college William and Mary. By southern standards, a progressive university in a progressive city.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ó Best Buy. Close on the heels of UVA as the Southís most prestigious public university. With more than 80 percent of the spots in each class reserved for in-staters. Admission is next to impossible for out-of-staters who arenít 6í9î with a 43-inch vertical jump. But they keep trying by the thousands. Chapel Hill is the quintessential college town.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington ó Still overshadowed by Chapel Hill and the other biggies in the strong UNC system. But making a name for itself. Strong in marine biology and other sciences. You wonít see the Seahawks in the NCAA Final Four any time soon, but you may be able to get to know your professors.
North Carolina State University ó It is hard for N.C. State not to have an inferiority complex next to highfalutin neighbors like Duke and UNC. But having them in the neighborhood is also a blessing ó just ask the thousands of graduates who have gotten jobs in the Research Triangle. Engineering and business are the most popular programs.
Wake Forest University ó Wakeís Baptist heritage and Winston-Salem location give it a more down-home flavor that Duke or Emory. With just over 4,000 undergraduates, Wake is small compared to its ACC rivals but bigger than most liberal arts colleges. The strong Greek system dominates the social scene.
Warren Wilson College ó Best Buy, Among a handful of schools where students combine academics, community service and on-campus work. Roots in the culture of Appalachia combine with a strong international and environmental orientation to give Warren Wilson its unique flavor. Campus atmosphere ranges from liberal to alternative.
A Best Buy school was selected by the quality of their academic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance.