Financial stability of liberal arts colleges?

Hi, I'm a junior and have been doing some pre-college research. I've got a soft spot for liberal arts colleges, but it seems a lot of them are less financially stable than big universities. Are there any financially stable liberal arts colleges I should look into?

Absolutely, there are many financially stable liberal arts colleges that are well worth considering. While it's true that some smaller, less well-known liberal arts colleges have faced financial challenges in recent years, there are a good many that have robust endowments and are in excellent financial health.

A key indicator you might want to look into is the size of the college's endowment per student. A larger endowment per student suggests more financial resources and stability. Here are a few examples:

1. Pomona College: With one of the highest endowment-per-student ratios among liberal arts colleges, Pomona College is known for its strong financial health. Its small student body and large endowment mean students have access to abundant resources.

2. Swarthmore College: Another college renowned for its strong financial position is Swarthmore College, known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. It enjoys a substantial endowment which supports a wide range of student programs.

3. Amherst College: This prestigious institution also has a substantial endowment per student, which ensures its financial stability and helps to fund its robust financial aid program.

4. Williams College: Williams College is known for its tutorial-based education and commitment to undergraduate education. It also has a healthy endowment that provides for its faculty and students.

Remember, financial stability is one factor to consider, but also look into academic programs, campus culture, and other factors that are important to you. Each of these schools, despite their financial health, offers a unique educational experience that might or might not align with your academic goals and personal interests.

Lastly, you may also want to use resources like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard to compare schools on measures like tuition, average student debt, post-graduation earnings, and more. It's a useful tool to get a fuller picture of a college's financial outlook.