Fort Lewis College (FLC) is a public liberal arts college located in Durango, Colorado. It was founded in 1911 and is known for its beautiful campus, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong commitment to sustainability. Like any other institution, FLC has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Fort Lewis College.
Pros:
- Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Fort Lewis College is located in Durango, Colorado, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and more. The college also has its own Outdoor Pursuits program, offering equipment rentals, guided trips, and outdoor education classes.
- Small Class Sizes: FLC has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, which means that students receive individualized attention from their professors. This allows for a more personalized learning experience and enables students to ask questions and receive feedback from their instructors.
- Strong Sustainability Focus: FLC has a strong commitment to sustainability. The college has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact, including a zero waste program, a bike share program, and a commitment to using renewable energy. The college also offers a major in Environmental Studies.
- Supportive Community: FLC has a welcoming and supportive community. The college provides a variety of support services to help students succeed academically and socially. These services include tutoring, counseling, career services, and student organizations.
- Campus Life: FLC has a vibrant campus life. The college offers a variety of clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and events throughout the year. This allows students to get involved in campus life and meet new people.
- Affordable Tuition: FLC is known for its affordable tuition. It provides a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. The college also offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. In addition, students can also apply for scholarships and grants.
Cons:
- Limited Course Offerings: FLC has a limited number of courses offered compared to larger universities. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a wider range of courses to choose from.
- Limited Diversity: FLC has a limited diversity in terms of its student population. The majority of students are white and from Colorado. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to experience a more diverse community.
- Limited Graduate Programs: FLC has a limited number of graduate programs compared to larger universities. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to pursue a specific graduate degree.
- Location: Durango, Colorado is a small town, and some students may find it limiting in terms of entertainment and social opportunities. The nearest major city, Albuquerque, is over three hours away.
- Harsh Winters: Colorado winters can be harsh, with temperatures that can drop below zero. This can make it difficult for students who are not used to the cold weather.
- Limited Job Opportunities: Durango is a small town, and job opportunities may be limited. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to stay in the area after graduation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Fort Lewis College has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The college offers outdoor recreation opportunities, small class sizes, a strong sustainability focus, a supportive community, campus life, and affordable tuition. However, its limited course offerings, limited diversity, limited graduate programs, location, harsh winters, and limited job opportunities may be disadvantages for some students. Ultimately, it is up to the individual student to decide if FLC is the right fit for them.
