In 1851, the private college of Northwestern University was founded in order to give higher education to citizens of northwest states. Classes at Northwestern officially began in 1855, with the completion of the first campus building. As of 2010, Northwestern has three campuses--a main campus in Evanston, IL, one in Chicago, and one in Doha, Qatar. The school educates around 8,500 undergraduate students, with nearly 8,000 graduate students. Northwestern ranked number one in Forbes' list of the 30 best colleges in the Midwest in 2009.
Northwestern University
633 Clark Street
Evanston, IL 60208
847-491-3741
Northwestern.edu
The University of Chicago's first classes were held in 1892. The number of graduate students at the school doubles the amount of undergraduates studying there, with around 5,000 undergrads compared to around 10,000 postgraduates. The University of Chicago features 49 majors, plus six graduate schools. The school ranks among the leading research colleges within the U.S., with several major discoveries such as REM sleep and carbon 14 dating being discovered here. The College Admissions Services and Forbes both list the University of Chicago as one of the top Midwestern colleges.
University of Chicago
5801 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
773-702-1234
Uchicago.edu
Kalamazoo College is one of the 100 oldest colleges in the U.S. with a founding date of 1833. According to Forbes, Kalamazoo College ranks 52nd among America's best colleges and 9th best in the Midwest. The college is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is well-known for the Kalamazoo Plan, or K-Plan. The K-Plan helps undergraduate students make the most of their college experience, including career development, studying abroad and a senior project.
Kalamazoo College
1200 Academy Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
269-337-7000
Kzoo.edu
Oberlin College was founded in 1833 and has gone on to achieve a number of firsts. Oberlin was the first American college to allow students of color to enroll, as well as the first college to award bachelor's degrees to women. Oberlin educates around 2,800 students at both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. U.S. News and World Report ranks Oberlin as 3rd best in the nation, while Forbes ranks the college 16th in the Midwest.
Oberlin College
101 North Professor Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-775-8411
Oberlin.edu