Liberal arts colleges

Beloit's cuts illustrate how -- in the current economic environment -- a seemingly small enrollment decline can have major consequences.

Jess H. Lord, dean of admissions and financial aid at Haverford College, says that "up until Friday I've been telling anyone who would listen to me to get ready because I assumed ED numbers would drop." He said it was "absolutely my assumption that ED would be hit hard by the economy -- that applying ED would be seen as a luxury and folks would hold off." "ED" is admissions lingo for early decision, in which applicants apply early and pledge, if admitted, to enroll.

As a state university mulls saving a private liberal arts college by taking on its debt, students and faculty hope it can retain unique, arts-focused identity that's decidedly "quirky."

Many colleges hurt by endowment losses have made it a point to say that revised budget plans won't change student financial assistance. Middlebury went another route -- and others may follow.

Study suggests perceived threat of confirming negative stereotypes may cause some -- but not all -- of academic achievement gap between athletes and non-athletes.

Outposts of liberal learning are popping up worldwide, often based on adaptations of an American model.

Under new curriculum, Susquehanna U. says students must go away. But it's the course they take when they come back that's required.

As students and their families struggle financially, more private colleges are slowing tuition increases to preserve enrollment and create goodwill.

Social justice matters get a fair amount of attention at colleges these days, often in the form of service learning or extracurricular activities. But at one Roman Catholic liberal arts college near Philadelphia, the very core of a new curriculum foregrounds the fact that justice does matter.

Dickinson, a private liberal arts institution, creates link to honors programs at four two-year institutions, offering financial and academic support in hopes of attracting new cohorts.