I'm searching for colleges that align with my more liberal outlook and I've seen the term 'stacker-ranked liberal colleges'. Can somebody breakdown what this means and give examples of such colleges?
'Stacker-ranked' generally refers to a kind of ranking created by Stacker, a data-driven journalism website. Here, 'stacker-ranked liberal colleges' would indicate colleges that have been ranked by Stacker based on their liberal ideologies and characteristics.
However, looking at this list without other college factors could lead to an incomplete picture. Many colleges could be labeled as "liberal" due to geographic location, student body beliefs, institutional values, or curriculum. In this context, a liberal college is often associated with a more progressive outlook towards social and political issues, a diverse and inclusive culture, emphasis on critical thinking and broad-based education, and freedom in academic exploration (liberal arts).
Stacker often uses data from several different sources in their rankings, including the National Center for Education Statistics, College Prowler, Niche, and other resources.
Typically, on these types of lists, you might find colleges like Oberlin College, known for its progressive values and being the first to admit African American students and women; or Wesleyan University, recognized for its commitment to activism and diversity. Other examples may include Swarthmore College, Vassar College, Bard College or Sarah Lawrence College, which all profess a strong commitment to liberal arts education, inclusivity, and diversity. Note that these are only examples, and the actual rankings may vary based on the variables considered and the data compiled during a particular period.
While this gives an idea about the general atmosphere and ideologies of such colleges, it's essential to look at other factors as well that fit your personal and academic growth, such as curriculum, faculty, size, location, financial aid options, extracurricular opportunities, and so on. A visit to the campus or participation in virtual events can also provide an experiential understanding of the college atmosphere. Therefore, take a comprehensive approach to understanding what each college offers and whether it aligns with your personal and academic aspirations.
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