Top 10 Outstanding Colleges that Slip Under the Radar

It isn’t all about the Ivies, kids. Parade magazine recently rounded up scads of good college recommendations from high school guidance counselors, and we plucked a few of our favorites off the list. Whether you’re looking for a killer business program or a gorgeous campus, here are some excellent schools that will give you a great education -- not just a brand name.

Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington

Though it’s in the corner of the country, don’t count out Whitman! The 1,400 students enrolled enjoy a 9-to-1 student/faculty ratio…and a breathtakingly beautiful, environmentally-sustainable campus.

Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island

As the only college run by Dominican Friars, you’d never guess Providence boasts a Division 1 sports program, over 100 on-campus clubs and a great liberal arts education (especially its business-focused program).

Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in liberal arts in a great city, look no further than Emerson. With its Boston Common location and easy subway access, students can make the city their playground.

Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California

Undergrads are given exceptional research opportunities at CMC’s Research Centers and Institutes. Business and accounting are very strong, too, as is the new graduate finance program.

Centre College, Danville, Kentucky

Located in gorgeous Danville, Centre College is the little liberal arts college that can. It offers great study abroad programs, generous financial aid and an impressive alum list which includes two U.S. vice presidents, two Supreme Court justices, and a host of senators, governors and House representatives.

University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon

UO’s students are spoiled by their bike-friendly 300-acre campus, awesome Division 1 teams (go, Ducks!) and huge range of majors, from Dance to Romance Languages.

Rice University, Houston, Texas

Arguably the best school in the South, Rice has a lot to offer: world-class research, a small-school intimate classroom feel, and strong engineering and architecture programs.

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

At Carnegie Mellon, alums boast tons of Emmy and Turing Awards -- the university has top-ranked programs in performing arts and engineering. Makes Pittsburgh sound pretty versatile, right?

Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota

Carleton is one of the best colleges in the Midwest. Academics are rigorous, but students can always de-stress by tossing a Frisbee around. Ultimate is really popular on campus -- every new student is given a disc at orientation.

The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

Don’t let the name fool you: William and Mary is one of the United States’ top research universities. It’s also one of the oldest schools in the country, founded in 1693 just after Harvard.