6 Reputable Colleges And Universities In New England

New England has a reputation for outstanding colleges and universities. Students flock to the region to learn in its stunning landscapes, from the shores of the Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the rocky coasts of mid-Maine. In no particular order, this list shares several notable institutions of higher education in the Northeastern-most area of the United States.

The #1 entry is Castleton University, located in the eponymous Vermont town. The school offers over 75 programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences as well as professional and career preparation. Majors include Art, Athletic Training, Mathematics, and Ecological Studies. In addition, there are several graduate programs for those seeking a Master's degree. Options include Business Administration, Special Education, and Psychology.

The college has a robust study abroad program, with courses ranging in length from a few weeks over January Break to a full year. For Castleton's student athletes, many sports are available, including golf, football, and tennis. The Castleton Spartan Athletic Complex is home to the Glenbrook Gymnasium, team rooms, classrooms, athletic training facilities, a swimming pool, and two fitness centers for all varsity teams.

Coming in at #2, we have Bowdoin College, a liberal arts school in Brunswick, Maine. Its on-site Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is dedicated entirely to the region. It is home to a diverse collection of objects, photographs, and motion picture films. Bowdoin's Museum of Art features paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and artifacts from prehistory to the present from civilizations around the globe.

Managed by the Office of Residential Life, housing at Bowdoin comprises residence halls, college houses, and apartments. The school offers numerous academic majors, such as Africana Studies, Earth and Oceanographic Science, and Romance Languages and Literatures. The latter department has a special prize that is awarded to a graduating student for outstanding achievement and promise in the study of more than one Romance language, literature, and culture.

Next up, at #3, we have Lesley University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school has a Multicultural Affairs & Student Inclusion department, intended to help students of color and those who identify as LGBTQ feel connected to campus life. To achieve this, it runs programs and creates opportunities for dialog on critical social issues, such as racism, homophobia, poverty, and oppression.

Lesley's Community Service Office seeks to educate students about the social and political issues affecting Cambridge and its surrounding neighborhoods, and connect them to local volunteer opportunities. Learners can participate in a voter engagement group to increase student civic awareness, or sign up to mentor local youth with Big Brothers or Big Sisters.

The #4 entry is Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. While most colleges adhere to a set of core classes, Brown allows students to develop a personalized course of study, called the "Open Curriculum," which the school believes allows them to discover what they love. Most undergraduates sample classes in a range of subjects before diving into one of 80-plus academic concentrations for in-depth, focused study.

The Ivy League university offers a wide range of dedicated services in support of health and wellness, including counseling, emergency medical care, and 24-hour crisis support. The Undocumented, First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center is a communal, learning, and advocacy space for members of the Brown community who identify with those designations.

For #5, we have Fairfield University, a Jesuit, Catholic school located in the eponymous Connecticut town. The college's Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality hosts several faith-based programs for students, such as "Encountering the Living God," a 10-week prayer and reflection intensive, guided by a trained spiritual director. A multi-month program is offered in parishes of the Diocese of Bridgeport, which includes lectures, discussions in faith-sharing groups, and opportunities for individually directed prayer experiences.

There are numerous student-led clubs and organizations on campus, including the W.V.O.F. radio station. In 2002, Fairfield University's radio complex opened for business in a three-studio station located in the John A. Barone Campus Center. Students and community members produce original content in the FM, web, and production rooms to this day.

Our final entry, #6, is the University of Bridgeport, situated in Connecticut. It offers a range of undergraduate programs, including Dental Hygiene, Political Science, Martial Arts, and Electrical Engineering. In addition, there are several graduate-level degrees, like the Master's in Global Media and Communications. The school has Greek Letter Organizations as part of its student life on campus; these groups host various events such as educational workshops, performances, and community service activities.

The university has several housing options. Barnum Hall is located near the Marina Dining room and has a view of the Long Island Sound and Seaside Park. It is located near Wahlstrom Library on campus. There is also special graduate housing for students who are enrolled in a Health Science program.