Prescott College

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
Tiny, innovative Prescott College in the Arizona mountains has "a reputation for being about the environment." The wilderness orientation program features a three-week backcountry excursion, just for instance. Undergrads here pursue "experientially-based," highly "self-directed" curricula on an alternating block and semester academic schedule. They receive narrative evaluations of their work instead of actual grades (though letter grades are also available). The "truly interdisciplinary" class offerings, "while somewhat limited, can be amazing." "We don't have lecture classes," explains a senior. "Class sizes are limited to the number of people who can fit in a 15-passenger van, which makes for discussions that include everybody." "My first semester, I was down at a field station in Mexico studying marine biology out on boats and islands every day," reminisces another senior. "Personal attention" is ample and Prescott's professors "are passionate about the topics they teach." The personable administration is "very flexible and open when it comes to student ideas." The big gripe here involves the limited amount of resources. There is "very little state-of-the-art" technology, though, the design and sustainability aspects of many of the buildings are top-of-the-line. Those who are seeking out the resources, name recognition, and larger-scale community of a large university may "find it very difficult to survive this educational experience." Freshman orientation is a key element of the school. All students attend wilderness orientation, spending some 20 days hiking and living in the field. "This is one of the most formative events in Prescott College culture, and [it] cannot be ignored," says a student. Orientation is also offered in holistic health and equine-based versions.

Students Say - Campus Life
Political activism and community service are widespread, but life at Prescott College is mostly idiosyncratic. "People always seem to be involved with a million projects for classes or just for stuff they are interested in and believe in." Students might attend "a lecture about the ecology of peace, or a workshop on digital storytelling, or someone's presentation of the semester they spent hiking around Thailand for their senior project." "Everyone knows everyone," and virtually all students live off campus. "I live in a yurt," notes a junior. The surrounding town "offers little" except for "a lot of retirees," so students make their own fun. "Adrenaline sports" and outdoor activities are popular. "It is common for students (or classes) to take trips into the wilderness or to go camping or backpacking." Potluck dinners "are big." Parties are "there if you look for them" and drinking, dancing, bonfires, and "music jams" definitely have their place; however, "not a lot of people get wasted every weekend."

Students Say - Student Body
Generally speaking, a 'typical' student is one who prefers a style of life and education that differs with societal norms. Though students say the school is "mostly white," they acknowledge that "the school is trying to work on that." Students also note that "just about any other minority you could think of is represented here." Many students "attended a different college previously or spent some time in the workforce after high school." Prescott reportedly "puts a lot of effort into being queer friendly" as well, and "there are many gay and several transgendered students." Students tell us that most everyone is "diligent in their studies" and "truly interested in bettering the community." They are very intellectual students that happen to wear tye-dye T-shirts and Chaco sandals that also love the environment and put all their energy into saving it!" says a student. "Most people here are intelligent, caring people who shower at least twice a week," declares a senior. "Almost no one is religious in a traditional sense but there is a spiritual element." Politically, students are "extremely left-wing." Conservatives are exotic. "I had one Republican classmate once," says a senior.

Other Schools To Consider Top Programs