Earlham College User Reviews and Ratings
You'll Never Know What Will Happen
By Gene, From Torrance, CA
I interviewed, I was invited and I came. Like many (most) new students coming to Earlham, the college education was/is a completely new experience and the first time being away from home. But Earlham helped me to adjust to this new world and gave me not only a degree, but the skill and confidence in pursuing a satisfying career in the tech world. I spent three years at Earlham and then two years at Purdue, receiving a Physic degree from Earlham and then an Electrical Engineering Degree from Purdue. I worked in the spacecraft industry launching satellites for companies such as Hughes Aircraft and Boeing Aerospace for some 45 years. Earlham continues to attract me. Because of my attraction and my appreciation for Earlham, I have attended the Alumni Council meetings twice a year for some 30 years, I ride an airplane for four hours, attend meetings, continue to be impressed with council members and their dedication to Earlham. I fly home with a new uplift and confidence in what Earlham is doing for its students and for the community.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Earlham Education and Environment was transformative
By PegO, From Houston, TX
The friends I made while a student and as an alumni are wonderful, outstanding people. I learned the true sense of what an engaging community is from the experience. The education I participated in made me a better thinker, citizen and person. I am deeply grateful that I attended Earlham.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best Decision I Could Make
By Kelsey Class of '91, From San Francisco
So appreciate the relationships I gained from this Values Forward school that expects integrity, service, and courage. It is an education that 30 years later, continues to yield fruit in my employment networks, personal development, and overall sense of community and family.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Life Skills Learned
By Ken H. Calss of 1977, From Cheltenham, PA
While the classroom learning is important, Earlham taught me life lessons that I will never forget. In addition to excellent academics, the college taught me how to treat people. They taught respect and consideration for others, while allowing me to grow into a young man. The taught me life skills I use everyday. I am a successful business man and person because of Earlham College.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Put me on a path to success
By Howell G., Class of 1969, From Richmond, Indiana
Earlham College gave me a solid academic foundation for a career in journalism that I had not planned when I arrived. My degree in political science was complemented by the experience of managing the college's student-operated FM radio station, WECI. I often say that Earlham gave me my career, which culminated in my 2010 induction into the Associated Press Television-Radio Association's Hall of Fame for the western U.S.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Life changing
By M, Class of 2004, From Denver, Colorado
I loved my Earlham experience--the lifelong friendships I formed there, small class sizes with extremely dedicated professors that I could approach easily outside of class, joint student/faculty research projects, a beautiful wooded back-campus to explore, wonderful opportunities for off-campus experiences, values that match my own. I remain connected to Earlham and visit at least once a year. Earlham is part of who I am today.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Earlham is the place that made me
By MS, Class of 2004, From Michigan
My time at Earlham was transformative in so many ways. The small, supportive campus was exactly the kind of college experience that I needed to transform me from a bright, yet incredibly shy, 17-year-old, to a confident, independent, globally-aware young adult. This metamorphosis was in a large part due to the incredible faculty at Earlham. Their passionate teaching faculty are second to none and truly make Earlham what it is. They go the extra mile to help their students succeed and I still feel a debt of gratitude to so many of them. Nearly 15 years after graduating, I still have close relationships with some of my Earlham professors. I call on them from time to time for advice or support and they are still there for me, eager and willing to assist. During my time at Earlham, I made friends from all over the world. I learned to think critically, to collaborate, to innovate, to problem-solve, and, perhaps most importantly, to listen. Earlham fosters, in all of its graduates, a sense of social justice and a desire to improve the world. My classmates from Earlham have gone on to incredible, impressive careers- they are doctors, teachers, human rights lawyers, social workers, peacemakers, professors, diplomats, and more. Now more than ever, the world needs more Earlhamites. The world needs Earlham.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
An excellent, well-rounded education
By Graduate, Class of 1997, From Sarasota, FL
I am a graduate of the class of 1997. While I majored in English and minored in German and Jewish Studies, what I learned at Earlham was how to learn anything and everything. I'm not sure that I knew what I wanted to do professionally when I entered college - and that turned out to be just fine. Considering that the work that I do today didn't even exist in 1997, much less in 1993 when I started college my ability to deal with ambiguity, be accountable, work with others and learn new things independently has been a huge bonus throughout my career. The world changes so quickly these days, knowing how to learn things is much more important than anything else when it comes to career growth and job security. The opportunity to work closely with professors and to develop personal relationships with faculty was life-changing for me, as was the quality and diversity of students. I was able to learn with people from every corner of the world. If I'm being completely honest, I would say that Earlham isn't for everyone, and the only way to know if you'll do well there is to visit and see how it feels. But for a certain type of student - one who is looking for a college that offers intimacy, acceptance, excellent international study experiences and a focus on learning with opportunities to play most Division III sports and do pretty much anything else, it is a fantastic school to know about, visit and consider.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：2
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Earlham Can. An Undergraduate Experience of Transformation.
By Lily F., Class of 2017, From Richmond, IN
Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana is truthfully an atypical small community of folks who care deeply about the betterment of our natural environment and humankind. We're rough around the edges, but we are all real and bring our present, and best selves to the challenges of 21st-century living. We travel from around the world to attend - sometimes never having visited before- and feel welcome. We often choose Earlham for the reason that the community welcomes us and really gives us a chance to have a quality undergraduate experience. It is clear that anyone who works at Earlham and every student brings their whole self to their experience and engagement with the College, peers, and professors. This approach may appear different, but believe you me, when I say it is a truly transformative experience. There's no place I'd rather have an undergraduate experience. I would recommend Earlham to any student who has a deep passion for learning (in and beyond academics) and making a positive impact on the world. Our community doesn't stop after your undergraduate experience, and the community you co-create is the essence of your growth as a person, and that is crucial for the long-term: professionally, personally, spiritually etc. I grew up in New York City and was delighted by the diverse, and inclusive community. I was surprised by how nice everyone was and new this community was a place I could thrive and grow into myself.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Simply Amazing!
By Neil, Class of 83, From Massachusetts
My Earlham experience changed my life and continues to shape me to this day. The individualized attention made possible by small class-size, committed and amazing faculty you get to know on a first-name basis on Day One, off-campus study, sports and social life all provide an education for the whole person. I graduated as an International Studies major as prelude to a long career in international development. Along the way I played 4 years of soccer, studied off-campus in Mexico and Washington, D.C. and made amazing friends with whom I am in regular contact 35 years later. These people mean the world to me and Earlham made it happen. Simply amazing!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Excellent education; life changing experience.
By Ken, Class of 93, From Columbia, SC
At Earlham, I learned how to think critically, how to communicate, and how to learn. I was prepared to take on any professional challenge, and to succeed in constantly changing environments. This place should be on every student's college list.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Changed and Defined my Future
By Russell, Class of 1971, From St. Louis, MO
It is often said that Earlham College provides a transformational educational experience. Sounds like a platitude but in my case it is absolutely true. Earlham is a huge part of who I am today. I urge anyone who is looking for a meaningful, enriching experience to give Earlham a look.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Continues to change my life!
By Taylor J, Class of 2014, From Buffalo, NY
Earlham is an amazing place. It creates opportunities both while you're a student and when you become an alumni that no other institution could replicate. The connections i have made--both with friends, professors, and professors who are now friends!--are invaluable.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Heart, soul, and mind
By Class of '88, From Florida
Because Earlham is in a small city, distractions from academic engagement are limited and this to me is a good thing. The faculty engage deeply with students, encouraging not only critical thinking skills, but also self reflection; they form not only a capable workforce but more importantly self-aware and socially conscious individuals, with the capacity to engage in self growth beyond college. Because the student body is constituted with highly engaged individuals, the after-class interactions are intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling. I have had life-long relationships with various professors, relationships that are not readily available in other universities and colleges. The content knowledge and skill development prepared me well for graduate school and my profession.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
College Changes Lives. Graduates Change the World
By M, Class of 91, From Bloomington, IN
I return to campus a couple of times a year and I'm always impressed and amazed by the incredible passion displayed by the student body as well as their accomplishments. Those accomplishments are made possible by a dedicated faculty work closely with and mentor those very smart, passionate students. Earlham is one of a handful of schools recognized in "Colleges That Change Lives." Earlham truly does change lives and continues to change my life long after my graduation. (Never mind HOW long after.) Earlham students go on to change the world. Many don't even wait until they graduate to do so. When I was younger, my parents told me that I choose any career path I wanted to. The exceptional liberal arts education I experienced at Earlham has turned that assertion into a demonstrable statement of fact. If you are a high school student determined to make the world a better place and you are willing to work hard to make that dream come true, Earlham is the place for you. If you know such a student, do them, and the world, a favor by introducing them to Earlham.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Proud graduate
By D Class of 1989, From Louisville, KY
Earlham took a kid from a sheltered environment and exposed him to the world in ways he could never have imagined. The caring, compassionate community is the perfect place to learn while also finding your spot in the world.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Excellent for personal growth
By Class of 96, From Illinois
Excellent academic opportunities. Room to discover, enjoy, and grow. Earlham is a special place. I was told by alumni that they're spent the rest of their lives trying to recreate the community they'd experienced at Earlham. Sounded nuts until I realized I was doing it, too. So many positives.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Outstanding Teaching College with top academics
By Shankar R class of '84, From Columbus Ohio
All that I had to learn at the various jobs I had from manager to CEO and entrepreneur, I learned on the job. Surprisingly, my Liberal Arts and history background advised me in the decisions I had to make, the people skills I had to master quickly, the organizational understanding that I was called to have. In short, I gradually realized, I had been taught to fish; by professors who took a personal interest in the growth of this cocky student from India. The great books we read and learned to read and the writing, analytical and other skills we absorbed served us well. It's also a great school for the sciences and math as well. You quickly learn how little you know and when you graduate you are prepared for a lifetime of learning. My education even advises me each day as I raise my daughter. My experience is not unique. I am in touch with many classmates and others who would say us much in their own way. I chose Earlham because it wasn't a swanky school and it had academics that could compete with the ivy league. I still think I chose wisely.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Earlham made me the person I am today
By Claire class of 2014, From Michigan
I am a medical student currently. I would never have discovered my own potential without the support and guidance from my faculty advisors, nor would I have learned the lessons I learned about social justice and equity without Earlham. If you want a solid education, and a school that helps you become your best self, then Earlham is the best place for you.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
A college for these times
By PeaceStudiesGrad, From Portland, Oregon
America needs more Earlham graduates. Now. Earlham educates the whole person; it doesn't merely fill their mind with facts. I attended Vassar College as a freshman and transferred to Earlham after a year off. I can say without hesitation that my Earlham education was far better. You simply cannot complete an Earlham class--not even a biology or geology class--without applying deep thinking to the topic. And the instructors are always available to help you succeed. This was not the case at Vassar. Earlham's small size and dedicated professors mean every Earlham education is rigorous; there is no skating by. The essence of the Quaker tradition permeates so much of life at Earlham, from the employment of consensus (reaching consensus requires so many skills that are sorely lacking in today's world) to the values of tolerance and peace that are ubiquitous around campus. I still call upon the knowledge I learned in books that were required reading in my classes--all my classes, not just those in my major--to help guide my thinking and actions in the post-2016 world. From books I read in my Cadillac Desert (geology class) to Getting to Yes (a PAGS class), from William Zinnser's On Writing Well to Diet for a Small Planet, the values education woven into every class (coupled with the distributional requirements) formed me into a person I am proud of today. But Earlham takes you beyond the campus. I studied in Northern Ireland, where more than half of my time in the program was spent outside the classroom, working in an integrated primary school and visiting organizations dedicated to conflict mediation and reconciliation. Back on campus, I took advantages of volunteer programs to work with students in the local public schools. And Earlham has countless programs for off-campus study--nationally and internationally. And their EPIC program offers even more real-world experiences through internships now than when I attended. What the world needs now is...more Earlham grads.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
The world needs more Earlhamites!
By MH, From Annapolis, MD
At this small liberal arts college, I learned to read and think critically, write persuasively, and work to make our world better. I went on the Wilderness Preterm -- three weeks of hiking in Utah -- which was a fantastic way to meet other incoming students. I made lifelong friends before I even started school! I spent a semester in NYC working in an art studio and soaking up the City, which was fabulous. I loved the fact that there are no fraternities or sororities at the school. Now I am reading about Earlham's EPIC program which helps place students into paid internships to do research or work in their field of study. The college provides support for these activities both financially and logistically. The teaching and classroom experience at Earlham is top notch. The college philosophy is rooted in the Quaker tradition, which means that respect for all people and reaching consensus in decision-making is important; students call professors by their first names, and service to the community, both on and off campus, is valued and encouraged. When I was there I would say that the majority of students were not Quakers. Earlham is indeed a college that can change lives, but as with any educational experience, students will get out of it what they put in.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Transformational
By Brad K. '84, From Indianapolis
My wife and I both attended as pre-med students. I studied chemistry, participated in research and as a result of working with the professor obtained internships at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and in a private medical diagnostics company during the summers afterwards. Went on to medical school and additional training programs in family medicine, international health, and occupational/environmental medicine. Why I say it was transformational--liberal arts broadens one's interests and potential to far more than a one-track professional life after college. I have had a successful second career as a trial attorney. I attribute the ability to pursue such different life paths to my Earlham experience. I also studied German and philosophy in addition to the sciences broadly. I worked as a DJ in the radio station, was a member of a food coop, studied a semester in Germany, lived in a language house, and learned photography, country dancing and fencing. In a small school like Earlham, you are limited in what you can learn only by the number of hours in a day. Small class size is not a negative. After sophomore year, many of my classes had fewer than 10 students, and one class had only two--and these classes were taught by professors and not some teaching assistant. There are not many institutions where a student can receive this much individual attention and mentoring.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：4
