Elizabethtown College (York, McDonald: home, high school, cost)

[rdbdirect]

My daughter has been accepted to Elizabethtown College among other schools and absolutely fell in love with the campus and the students she met when we visited last summer. US News rated the school at number 2 college best buys. I'd like to hear from current students or alumni about their experiences. I thought that the school is too small and students would have little to do with their spare time unless they played sports. I am concerned that it is a suitcase school where everyone goes home weekends. Comments?

[tyovan4]

I'm from Elizabethtown. I've taken two courses at Etown College (through the history department) and I've worked in the cafetaria for a year and a half.

The college is small - this brings advantages and disadvantages.

The professors are friendly and will work with students. They really want to see their students succeed. Class sizes are small. These are advantages.

Disadvantages include the size. The student body is small - so its like high school in regards to gossip. The Mad Cow comedy improv group is good, and the newspaper the Etownian is an entertaining read. But there is only so much that the small number of students can do to create entertainment. There is no Greek life on campus.

The town is small and conservative. Going anywhere requires a car - grocery stores, McDonald's, etc are all about a mile away - and walking there would be dangerous since there are no sidewalks on Route 230.

It wont be a suitcase school during Freshman year since they arent allowed to have cars on campus. But afterwards - I don't know.

Etown College is extremely expensive - I believe they are also among the highest schools for student debt.

Make sure she knows what she is getting into.

[rdbdirect]

Thanks for your insight. There are alot of positives and some negatives. I believe that class size is extremely important and the professors were very impressive as well. I am sure that she would receive a good education but would it really be that much better than a good program at a state school? I always believed that you get what you give. Give good effort...get back the rewards of your efforts. The cost is high but they do offer scholarships. As a parent I would feel safe having her attend Etown and would be confident she would receive a quality education...but the cost...you're right...it's definitely a factor. Thanks for your input...anyone else???

[Louieb]

My wife andstepdaughter went to look at the school and She told me that security will drop off and pick up the students at the local amtrak station.I thought that was interesting till I heard the tuition numbers,Then I thought they ought to do door to door.She decided on York College.