Goshen College is a private liberal arts college located in Goshen, Indiana. Founded in 1894, it is a small college with a student body of around 800 students. The college is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA and emphasizes the values of peacemaking, servant leadership, and global citizenship. Like any institution, Goshen College has its own set of pros and cons that prospective students should be aware of.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: Goshen College has a strong reputation for its academic programs, particularly in the areas of nursing, music, and education. The nursing program has a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, the national licensure exam for nurses. The music program is nationally recognized, and the education program has a high job placement rate for graduates.
- Small class sizes: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Goshen College offers small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and interaction with professors. This creates a more intimate learning environment that facilitates student success.
- Focus on community and social justice: As a Mennonite-affiliated institution, Goshen College emphasizes the importance of community and social justice. The college encourages students to engage in service learning, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities that foster global citizenship.
- Beautiful campus: Goshen College is located on a 135-acre campus that includes a nature preserve, a lake, and several walking trails. The campus is also home to several historic buildings, including the Umble Center, which houses the college’s performing arts programs.
- Affordable tuition: Goshen College offers competitive tuition rates, particularly for in-state students. The college also offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Cons:
- Limited diversity: Goshen College is located in a predominantly white region of the country, and as a result, the student body is not very diverse. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a more diverse college experience.
- Limited extracurricular activities: Goshen College has a relatively small student body, and as a result, there are fewer extracurricular activities available compared to larger institutions. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a more robust campus life.
- Limited course offerings: While Goshen College has strong academic programs in certain areas, the college’s course offerings in other areas can be limited. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a broader range of courses to choose from.
- Conservative values: As a Mennonite-affiliated institution, Goshen College emphasizes conservative values such as pacifism and simplicity. While these values may be attractive to some students, they may not be a good fit for others.
- Location: Goshen College is located in a small town in Indiana, which may be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a more urban or cosmopolitan college experience.
Overall, Goshen College offers a strong academic program and a focus on community and social justice. Its small class sizes and beautiful campus are also advantages for many students. However, the college’s limited diversity, extracurricular activities, and course offerings, as well as its conservative values and location, may be disadvantages for some students. Ultimately, students should carefully consider these factors and determine if Goshen College is the right fit for them.
