Princeton Review lists NWC among Midwest's best

The colleges and universities recognized “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning,” according to the Princeton Review, and allowed their students to be surveyed anonymously. The rankings and student comments are posted at www.princetonreview.com/college/research/regional/.

The Princeton Review’s academic profile of Northwestern gives professors high marks. Students praised the faculty for caring about them and for integrating faith and learning. One said they are “super helpful in any way possible, and they provide a great example for students to follow.” Another student wrote, “Most of the professors make themselves available to students outside of class, even providing home phone numbers. The classes aren’t easy, but there is not a single professor who will refuse a student help.”

Students also praised Northwestern’s extensive off-campus programs, from the Chicago Semester and numerous study abroad programs to Summer of Service and Spring Service Projects. “These opportunities allow us to experience life for a time in a situation many of us would not encounter in any other way,” wrote one.

A student described Northwestern as being “about experiencing God and appreciating people in academics, activities and all of life.” Another student wrote, “The people here are caring, loving and generally all-around great people. It’s easy to get to know the other students and make lots of friends.” Yet another Northwestern student said, “I love being here because I am surrounded by a family away from home. These people become like brothers and sisters—people we love, uplift, encourage [and] support.”

The community’s commitment to Northwestern also surfaced in one student’s comments: “The townspeople definitely care about the students. They attend events held on campus and support students in need. All in all, it’s a great place to be!”

“We always appreciate external recognition of our quality educational experience, and the Princeton Review’s honor is especially meaningful because it’s based on what students say,” said Northwestern’s president, Dr. Bruce Murphy. “It is good to see that our students value the very things we seek to cultivate on campus: academic rigor, strong relationships and spiritual vitality.”