What Are Alternative Colleges? Your Best Options!

When you think of college, images of dorms, frat houses, and big lecture halls may come to mind. However, the college experience comes in a variety of different styles. For many students, alternative colleges offer a more suitable option to earn their higher education.

If you’re an out-of-the-box thinker who marches to your drum, alternative colleges might be the thing for you! From planning your curriculum to taking courses flexible to your lifestyle, non-traditional colleges offer you a way to earn a degree in a way as unique as you are.

Here, we’ll share all you need to know about attending an unconventional college to see if it’s a route you’d like to take.

What is an Alternative College?

Let’s define a traditional educational experience first. Most traditional colleges follow a prescribed program and use testing and streamlined grading systems.

In an alternative college, programs vary widely from school to school, based on each student. Grading systems may include comprehensive reviews or Pass/Fail grades only. Earning credit may come in the form of hours of work, submitting a self-directed project, or completing a portfolio.

Who Should Study at Alternative Colleges?

An alternative college is a great choice for students who fit into the following categories:

• Individuals who don’t conform to traditional learning environments
• People  with careers already who want to excel or change careers
• People with families or other responsibilities
• Creative thinkers
• Those who prefer out-of-the-classroom learning experiences

Top Alternative Colleges

If you’re interested in pursuing learning at alternative colleges, check out this list of some of the best non-traditional colleges to choose from.

1. Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College is a progressive college in Washington State. Founded in the 1960s as an experimental program, this college focuses on interdisciplinary academic programs in place of classes and does away with grades altogether!

2. College of the Atlantic

This small college on the coast of Maine has just over 366 students, all of whom choose their own academic path in Human Ecology. Students choose their classes to complete their major and are invited to help run the college alongside faculty members.

3. Thomas Edison State University

At Thomas Edison, all courses are online, and there are no grades. Students receive credit for courses by submitting a portfolio assessment in place of exams and grades. Plus, the online-only coursework makes it a great option for busy adults.

4. The New School

The New School, located in Manhattan, NY, was established in 1919 as a school dedicated to academic freedom and progressive thinking. Famous designers, writers, artists, and politicians all make their way out of the five offered schools: Design, Liberal Arts, Social Research, Public Engagement, and Performing Arts.

5. Cornell College

Cornell College operates on a schedule not known to most students — you take one course at a time for 18 days. This Iowa college argues that one class at a time allows students to focus on the topic being taught and learn more deeply.

6. St. John’s College

At St. John’s College, the class size is capped at 20 students, allowing for a more intimate learning experience. Discussions are highly encouraged in classes and students get to know their professors personally.

7. Antioch College

Using cooperative education as its model, Antioch College requires students to spend four academic terms engaged in full-time work, research, or self-directed projects. This means graduates leave with real work experience, and Antioch claims their students are more creative and innovative than their peers.

8. Maharishi University of Management

The school refers to itself as one that is based on a model of  “consciousness-based education.” Maharishi emphasizes self-exploration, transcendental meditation, vegetarianism, sustainability, and they allow students to design their own majors!

9. Olin College

Olin College is an engineering college known for its small size and project-based curriculum. Instead of requiring first-year students to complete countless prerequisites in science and math, first-year students jump right into the engineering curriculum, getting real-world experience from day one!

10. Naropa University

Founded by a Tibetan Buddhist leader and located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa emphasizes self-transformation and what they call “contemplative education.” This is the idea that knowledge arises in a thinking mind only. To get to this state of mind, the university encourages meditation, Chinese brushstroke, Tai Chi, and yoga.

Other Alternative Options You May Want to Consider

When it comes to earning your higher education, there’s surely not a shortage of options. Besides the robust list above, there are other types of colleges that you might want to look into.

These include:

1. Online Universities

Many traditional and alternative colleges and universities offer online studies, either for partial coursework (called hybrid programs) or entire degrees. Some universities are fully online, meaning they are experts in providing quality education to distance learners.

For example, University of the People is an entirely online and tuition-free, accredited university. Students can select a degree program across four disciplines or opt for one of nine certificate programs.

2. Traditional Universities

Just because they are labeled as ‘traditional’ doesn’t mean they don’t offer a variety of great programs, many of which can accommodate an independent, alternative learner. Traditional colleges span private and public institutions. Many feature research programs, work for credit, online courses, and other unique ways to earn credit.

3. Community and Junior Colleges

Local community colleges are a great option for all types of learners. Some may have a higher acceptance rate, lower tuition fees, and can guarantee just as great of an education as larger, traditional schools.

4. Women’s Colleges

These colleges make a point to have a primarily female student body, although they will admit male students at lower rates. Women’s colleges have been declining recently, and now only about 35 remain in the U.S. Many see this decline as a sign of decreasing quality; however, the extant women’s colleges remain to offer excellent education options for female students.

5. Tribal Colleges

Focused primarily on admitting minority students, Tribal Colleges grew out of the self-determination efforts of various tribes within the U.S. and continue to offer vocational and degree programs for both Native American and non-Native American students. An emphasis of the curriculum is placed on preserving the traditions and cultures of the tribes, including special course offerings and community events.

6. Historically Black Colleges (HBCs)

Historically Black Colleges were generally established before the Civil Rights Era to give African Americans the opportunity for higher education. The diversity of these schools has increased over time, however, with about 24% of HBCU enrollment being non-black students.

7. Trade Schools

These are great options if you are looking to work in a specific trade. If you already know what you want to do, these typically offer  8-month to 2-year programs to reach your goals in positions such as paralegal, chef, cosmetologist, and massage therapist, to name a few.

8. Military Colleges

Military colleges are some of the best schools in the country. They can be tough to get into but offer some of the best education, and you get a military job upon graduation. Graduates earn a B.S. and are required to complete a minimum of 5 years of service. While military academies offer a great deal on tuition, books, and all expenses paid, they are also extremely strict and academy life can be described as disciplinary and conservative.

Wrapping Up

Whatever type of college you choose, be it online, alternative colleges, or many of the non-traditional options listed here, you can be sure to find a program that fits your personal and individualistic nature, personality, and learning style.