What does 'granola' mean in relation to colleges?

I've been hearing the term 'granola' thrown around when people describe some colleges and I'm really confused as to what that means. Does it have to do with the student culture or something else?

The term 'granola' is quite informal and is often used to describe a certain type of campus culture. It usually refers to colleges that have a laid-back, outdoorsy, eco-friendly, and socially conscious atmosphere. You might hear it being utilized to label institutions where students are smart but not overly competitive, or where they value sustainability, outdoor activities, and healthy living.

For instance, colleges in rural or mountainous locations with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, or camping often earn the 'granola' descriptor. Students at these schools might opt for vegan or other special diets, prefer thrift shopping, participate in environmental clubs, have a robust recycling or composting program, or put a high emphasis on community service.

One example of a 'granola' college could be College of the Atlantic in Maine, which is known for its environmental focus as it offers only one major, Human Ecology. Another example could be Colorado College, due to its unique mantra of studying one course at a time and its emphasis on outdoor pursuits.

That being said, be careful with such labels because colleges are diverse places and a single stereotype won't apply to every student. The 'granola' term should act more as a general guide than a binding characteristic of the school's entire student body. Furthermore, perceptions can change, so it's always a good idea to visit a campus if you can or speak with current students to get a better feel for the culture.