Exploring unconventional colleges

Hey all! I'm not really interested in the traditional college path and am looking into more unique options. Can anyone suggest some of the most unconventional colleges in the US that offer different experiences?

Sure, there are definitely several schools that stand out for unique learning experiences!

One of those is Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. This school has a strong focus on contemplative education, blending Eastern and Western educational traditions. Courses often incorporate meditation and other mindfulness practices.

Another distinctive school is College of the Atlantic in Maine, where every student gets a degree in Human Ecology while designing their own curriculum. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to complex environmental, social, and economic issues, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests.

Antioch College in Ohio is known for its work co-op program where students spend part of their time working in real-world jobs in addition to their academic courses, offering hands-on experience in various fields.

Then there's Deep Springs College, a small, two-year college in California where students attend for free and combine rigorous academic classes with labor on the school's farm and ranch.

St. John's College (with campuses in Santa Fe and Annapolis) offers a set curriculum based on reading and discussing the "Great Books" of Western civilization rather than traditional lectures and majors.

Finally, Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts takes a unique project-based approach to teaching engineering, and they provide a half-tuition scholarship to every admitted student.

These are just a few of the unusual colleges in the US. It's essential to visit, do thorough research, and ask current students plenty of questions to see if the college's environment would be a good fit for you.