Now in its 27th year, The Insider's Guide to the Colleges is an intelligent, sometimes irreverent, compilation of student-written articles about every aspect of college life, from cafeteria food to academics to the campus social scene.

Colleges and universities stand to benefit greatly when businesspeople engage with them, whether through governing boards, alumni associations, consulting arrangements, philanthropy, or other channels. But many businesspeople are frustrated by the way institutions of higher education work--or rather, how they don't work. Why do decisions in universities take so long and involve so many people? Why aren't profit and growth top priorities for colleges? Why can't the faculty be managed like any other employees? Shouldn't alumni have a greater say as they continue to invest in their alma mater? As leaders in higher education, James W. Dean Jr. and Deborah Y. Clarke have years of experience addressing these questions for a wide range of professionals outside the academy. This book draws on their expertise to offer real-world guidance for businesspeople who work with and seek to improve colleges and universities. Dean and Clarke differentiate and clarify the motivations and structures that make universities unique among American enterprises. And while they acknowledge the challenges that businesspeople often face when working with academic institutions, they explain that understanding the distinct mission of higher education is essential to being able to effect change within these organizations. Presenting insights from interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, Dean and Clarke give succinct and practical advice for working with universities.

"Students on campus tell you what you really want to know"--Cover.

For more than thirty-five years, The Insider's Guide to the Colleges has been the favorite resource of high school students across the country because it is the only comprehensive college reference researched and written by students for students. In interviews with hundreds of peers on campuses from New York to Hawaii and Florida to Alaska, our writers have sought out the inside scoop at every school on everything from the nightlife and professors to the newest dorms and wildest student organizations. In addition to the in-depth profiles of college life, this 37th edition has been revised and updated to include: * Essential statistics for every school, from acceptance rates to the most popular majors * A "College Finder" to help students zero in on the perfect school * Insider's packing list detailing what every college student really needs to bring * FYI sections with student opinions and outrageous off-the-cuff advice. The Insider's Guide to the Colleges cuts through the piles of brochures to get to the things that matter most to students, and by staying on top of trends and attitudes it delivers the straight talk students and parents need to choose the school that's the best fit.

The only guide written by students, for students, The Insider's Guide includes over 300 colleges--at least one from each of the United States, plus schools in Canada.

How do university finances really work? From flagship public research universities to small, private liberal arts colleges, there are few aspects of these institutions associated with more confusion, myths or lack of understanding than how they fund themselves and function in the business of higher education. Using simple, approachable explanations supported by clear illustrations, this book takes the reader on an engaging and enlightening tour of how the money flows. How does the university really pay for itself? Why do tuition and fees rise so fast? Why do universities lose money on research? Do most donations go to athletics? Grounded in hard data, original analyses, and the practical experience of a seasoned administrator, this book provides refreshingly clear answers and comprehensive insights for anyone on or off campus who is interested in the business of the university: how it earns its money, how it spends it, and how it all works.

The Straight-Talking Student's Guide to the Best Colleges For more than thirty-five years, The Insider's Guide to the Colleges has been the favorite resource of high school students across the country because it is the only comprehensive college reference written and researched by students for students. In interviews with hundreds of peers on campuses from New York to Hawaii and Florida to Alaska, our writers have gotten the inside scoop on every school on topics ranging from professors and campus life to dorms and student activities. This thirty-sixth edition has been completely revised and updated to stay on top of campus trends and attitudes. Each school profile in The Insider's Guide cuts through the veneer of brochures and common stereotypes to reveal colleges as they're seen through the eyes of their students. This comprehensive guide includes: - Revealing profiles of more than 330 top schools in the United States and Canada - Essential statistics for every school, from acceptance rates to the most popular majors - An insider's packing list detailing what every college student really needs to bring - A college quiz that helps students find the type of school that is right for them - FYI sections with candid student opinions and outrageous advice