College Spotlight: Snow College

If I could go back to High School, I would take 5 minutes and check out Snow College.  Because if I were to give it just 5 minutes, I'd probably give the next 30 minutes, and then seriously considered attending.  It is the only junior college in the state of Utah, is residential--so you really get the "college experience", and it's a steal:  total cost of tuition, fees, board and room are approximately $5,600 - $7,500 (depending on your choice of dorm and eating plan).  But there's no need to pay more than $5,600--it's all-inclusive.  It is absolutely the best-kept secret in the state!  And not only is it affordable, it's a great experience!  Many students say it's like having all the benefits of studying at a small-liberal arts college, because you get so much attention from professors and great opportunities to study and be involved on campus. 

Still worried that it is out of your budget?  At Snow College, you can "stack scholarships", which means you can stack an academic scholarship on top of a leadership scholarship on top of a talent scholarship--you could get everything paid for and have them write YOU a check!  If you're eligible for a pell-grant, you could get that, too!  That's not just a good deal, it's the best deal in the state, definitely in the West.  That's such a good deal you should be checking out their website right now.

Okay, if you need some more convincing, here's a list of cool things (again, in no specific order)

• Open-Enrollment.  It's the mission of Snow College:  You Can Go to College!  
• Everyone there is between 18-22 years old, which is great because you can rise to leadership roles quickly, as everyone is either a freshman or sophomore.  
• It's NOT a commuter campus.  You don't need a car, because you'll eat, drink, and sleep @ Snow College.  As a residential junior college, you'll be able to totally immerse yourself in college without any distractions.  
• Most kids say "it feels like a small liberal arts experience"...minus the price tag
• There are two campuses:  Ephraim, Utah (which houses the traditional programs), and Richfield (which houses the applied technology programs).  If you want to go through the ATC, but want an experience away from home, check out the Richfield Campus.  
• As a junior college, it grants Associate's Degree, and helps students transfer to a 4-year college to complete a Bachelor's Degree. 
• This is a great fit for students that know they want a 4-year degree, but don't want to be swallowed up in general education classes that are taught by grad students, or number 50+ students.  Incidentally, the only class with 50 students is choir, and it stands alone:  most number 10-15 students; a class of 20 is a "big class"
•  They have adjunct professors--which can be a very good thing.  They are there to teach.  It's a teaching college--not a research university (they're both good--it just depends what YOU need and want)
• An Advising Staff will help students prepare to transfer to a University at the completion of their Associate Degree.
• The Bachelor Degree in Music with a Commercial Music Emphasis is the one exception.  Don't discount it:  the professors have links to professionals on East & West Coast, and help students with summer internships. 
• Good Diversity:  many first-generation students, multicultural students.  As a small college, they are ready to help students navigate the college system. 
• Opportunities are open for freshman and sophomore, and you don't have to "major" in something to be involved.  Studying pre-med, but want to be in the play?  Great!  That's absolutely okay and encouraged at Snow! 
• Application Deadline:  March 1, 2017

My advice to every student is to look at all sorts of college options, apply to several schools that could fit your goals (and finances and academic level), and see what happens with scholarships and pell-grants.  At this point in time, you don't have to decide where you are going to college:  you simply have to apply so that you have the option.  And Snow College is one great option to have on your list.