Located 20 minutes north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Davidson College was established by Presbyterians in 1837 and has earned a reputation for being one of the country's premier liberal arts colleges. Home to 1,920 students, Davidson is quite selective; students must be motivated to keep up with the challenging courses, which emphasize a commitment to lifelong learning, communication and critical thinking.
Davidson College believes that a liberal arts education is invaluable for young people and is dedicated to making education affordable. The Davidson Trust allowed the school to become the nation's first liberal arts school to provide students with grants rather than loans. With the Davidson Trust, the school is able to ensure that all students who demonstrate financial need are awarded with student employment or grants.
Located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College is home to 1,524 undergraduate students and has a faculty ratio of 8:1. Offering more than 600 courses and 50 majors, Swarthmore offers a variety that small colleges often lack. The college is part of a Tri-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford, so students can opt to enroll in classes at those schools as well.
Swarthmore is dedicated to providing an affordable education to qualified students. Fifty percent of students who demonstrate financial need receive scholarships, and in 2010, 70 percent of students shared $34 million in loans, job opportunities and scholarships.
The Cooper Union is a small college unlike any other. Located in New York City, the school offers programs in engineering, architecture and art for highly talented and distinguished students. Founded by industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, the school offers full scholarships for all students who are admitted. The admission requirements are rigorous, though: the school has a seven-percent admission rate and is home to about 1,000 students.
Colby College is a private liberal arts school in Maine that offers 54 majors and 30 minors. Home to 1,838 students, Colby helps all admitted students who demonstrate financial need afford the school's tuition. While students can choose to borrow, loans are not included in financial aid packages. Instead, qualified students are awarded with grants and work-study opportunities.