Warren Wilson College named a 2016 Fiske Guide ‘Best Buy’

One of 44 institutions recognized by the Fiske Guide to Colleges Best Buys of 2016 for “quality academic offerings and affordable cost,” this marks the 10th time that Warren Wilson College has been listed as a “best buy” among public and private colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

The 2016 Fiske Guide calls the nationally ranked college a “valuable place that combines the notion of thinking globally with acting locally.”

With at least 100 hours of service learning required and a weekly 15-hour work requirement, the Guide says its “tough to beat” when it comes to Warren Wilson’s educational model and focus on international and environmental programs.

Small class sizes, quality creative writing and its natural science programs, as well as one student calling it “a place where you can be whoever you want” without judgement, helped the college earn a position as one of only 22 private institutions in the Fiske Guide.

“The classes are not easy, but the support is great,” said a Warren Wilson junior to the Fiske Guide. “The teachers are understanding, helpful, encouraging and supportive.”

Press Release from Kyle McCurry, interim director of media relations:

ASHEVILLE, NC – Warren Wilson College, the only national liberal arts college with an innovative approach to integrating academics, work and service programs, is one of 44 institutions recognized by the Fiske Guide to Colleges Best Buys of 2016 for “quality academic offerings and affordable cost.” The 2016 guide marks the 10th time the College, located in Asheville, North Carolina, has been listed as a “best buy” among public and private colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

As one of five schools in North Carolina to be awarded the “best buy” distinction, Warren Wilson College was among the two private institutions. The Fiske Guide identifies the combination of academics, work and service as measurements for success and calls the nationally ranked College a “valuable place that combines the notion of thinking globally with acting locally.”

For incoming freshman, the guide says, “The First-Year Experience Program lays a foundation for academic success by introducing students to the study-serve-work trinity through small, interactive group activities.” With at least 100 hours of service learning required and a weekly 15-hour work requirement, the Guide spotlights Warren Wilson’s educational model and focus on international and environmental programs and calls its mountain setting “tough to beat.”

“The classes are not easy, but the support is great,” said a Warren Wilson junior to the Fiske Guide. “The teachers are understanding, helpful, encouraging and supportive.”

Out of 881 students, 55 percent study abroad and the Guide points out that the cost for the experience is “partly built into their regular tuition.” Small class sizes, 84 percent with 20 students or less, quality creative writing and natural science programs and what one student called “a place where you can be whoever you want” without the judgment help earn Warren Wilson a position as one of only 22 private institutions in the Fiske Guide.

The Fiske Guide to Colleges was formed by former New York Times Education Editor Edward B. Fiske, and the 2016 edition is available now.

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About Jane Morrell
My name is Jane Morrell and I am a student from Troy University in Alabama. I am working as an intern for the Mountain Xpress over the summer. Follow me on Twitter @JaneMorrell2 Follow me @JaneMorrell2

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