The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

The sports programs are fairly strong for a predominatly Div II school (wrestling and field hockey are Div. I). I had always wished students cared more about the "big" college sports like football, but it seems like it takes somewhat of a backseat to the student body…even though we were in the national championship a year I was in school. Extra-curricular activities are average at best, but did offer some great trips like to NYC (which is about 2 1/2 hrs away) and the beaches of NJ. The strongest aspect of the school while I was enrolled was the concert programs. We had Dave Matthews come (twice), Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, The Fugees, George Carlin and some others. Not even the nearest big cities can claim that this happened to them.

If you've lived in a city environment your entire life, I would suggest giving Bloomsburg a chance. It would be like night and day for you, as the campus is gourgeous and enveloped in a very "green" atmosphere. The surrounding town however leaves a lot to be desired, as most of the locals are close-minded and set in their ways. Most don't understand the impact the University has on the town. The pop. of the town is normally 10,000, but the school adds another 8,000 people practically doubling the population of the area. There are big "town-gown" issues here, but probably no more than any other rural area that boasts a college.

The academics for the price are a GREAT value…as every single professor I had throughout my four years did have their Doctorate. I was never taught by a "TA", and most professors are tenured and have been at the school awhile, caring for their students and their own work.

If you're looking for a rural, out of the way but strong academic and social environment this is the school for you.