U.S. News and World Report rates Grand Rapids, Michigan's Calvin College as one of the best liberal arts colleges of 2011. The school emerged from the efforts of the Christian Reformed Church in 1876, awarding its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1921. In 2010, nearly 4,000 students were enrolled at Calvin, just over half of which hail from Michigan. The student to faculty ratio is 12-to-1. Calvin College receives accreditation from the Commission on Higher Learning of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Tuition for students at Calvin for 2011 totaled $24,645, with 92 percent of students receiving financial aid. Room and board costs total $8,525.
A.J Gordon began Gordon College in 1889 as a means to educate Christians on how to do God's work. Located in Wenham, Massachusetts, the school is the only non-denominational Christian college in New England. The school ranks as one of the top liberal arts colleges according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition to emphasizing academic values, Gordon College encourages students to take an active role in the community through volunteer work and ministry. Tuition costs $30,606 for a year as of 2011, which bumps up to $39,040 for room and board. Most students, 92 percent, receive financial aid to help cover the costs.
Houghton College in Houghton, New York gives Christian students a liberal arts and sciences education in a smaller, more intimate setting. The school has around 1,200 students enrolled, with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Houghton began in 1883 as a secondary school before adding college courses in 1899. It was founded with the Wesleyan Methodist Connection and continues to maintain a connection to the Wesleyan Church. Houghton frequently ranks well on lists from institutions such as Forbes, the Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. A year's tuition at Houghton costs $25,360 as of 2011, which raises to $32,690 with room and board.
With its foundation in 1826, Mississippi College rates as the oldest higher education facility in Mississippi. In addition, the school became the first co-ed institute to award a degree to a woman. The school spans 320 acres in Clinton, Mississippi and shares affiliation with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Just over 5,000 students attend the school as of fall 2010, with a 16-to-1 student to faculty ratio. U.S. News and World Report lists this school as ninth best in the 2011 "Best Colleges, Best Values" category. Mississippi College holds numerous accreditations and affiliations, including from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For one year of undergraduate education at Mississippi College as of 2011, tuition totaled $19,310 for on-campus living, or $12,900 for off-campus.
Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Founded in 1860, the school offers co-ed interdenominational education in a private liberal arts setting. The school teaches around 2,900 students, with an 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio. U.S. News and World Report lists Wheaton as 56th out of over 260 liberal arts schools for 2010. Undergraduate tuition for 2011 costs $27,850, plus $8,050 for room and board. The school is accredited by several institutions, such as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and holds affiliation with organizations like the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.