Small classes, an outstanding library and friendly students were just a few of the reasons Sonoma State University was chosen as one of Princeton Review's "Best 366 Colleges" for 2008.
In its profile, SSU is described as "a first-rate public-school education that allows them (students) to take a step back from the fast pace of the city without taking away the fun and activities and a rural campus that is very relaxing and beautiful - but also close enough to San Francisco and Sacramento to benefit from the activities these cities offer."
An outstanding undergraduate education is one of the main criteria for the Princeton Review's annual publication. Only 15% of the four-year colleges in America and two Canadian colleges were chosen for the book.
The ranking lists in the 2008 edition of "Best 366 Colleges" are based on the Princeton Review's survey of 120,000 students - about 325 per campus on average. SSU ranked in the following areas: Quality of Life, Fire Safety, Academics, Admissions and Financial Aid.
The profile also provides extensive quotes from SSU students surveyed by the Princeton Review for the book. Among their candid comments on campus life and academics: " 'it is a place to relax and get some peace in busy schedules;' a 'wonderful' psychology program; a business program that 'is very well put together, with very helpful...teachers'; and 'excellent health care and science majors' including a unique environmental management and design program."
Great computer facilities, palace-like dorms and overall student happiness were also mentioned frequently by SSU students. They also loved the fact that the small size of the school allows for "a very personal connection between the student and the professor."
Find out more about The Princeton Review's annual rankings on its Web site www.PrincetonReview.com.
- Reilly Nolan
