Campus named a Best in the Northeast college by The Princeton Review

For the 16th consecutive year, the Pitt-Bradford is one of the best colleges in the Northeast, according to The Princeton Review.

“This recognition from The Princeton Review is based in large measure on Pitt-Bradford's diverse, inclusive and welcoming community,” said Dr. Catherine Koverola, Pitt-Bradford's president. “Our students' diverse cultures and experiences contribute to our comfortable, close-knit and caring environment.”

The nationally known education services company recommends the university as one of 224 northeastern colleges on its “2020 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website feature posted on PrincetonReview.com this week.

Ratings are based on an 84-question survey taken by students about their school's academics, administration, campus community and themselves

Pitt-Bradford students surveyed said that it “is a cozy campus nestled in rural Pennsylvania” that has “the small town feel with the big city name” and “a friendly environment that encourages students to stay.” They also noted, “Education comes first. No matter the school activity, exceptions are made in order to complete school work.”

“The professors at this university are extremely well versed in their specific fields of study” and “are very easy to engage in for help,” students wrote.

One criminal justice major said, “My school is all about bringing everyone together and making them feel like family.” Others wrote that the teaching methods are “interactive” and students feel “a part of the learning rather than just a fly on the wall.”

Students also wrote that the typical student “lives on campus, is friendly, usually is involved in a sport or intramurals, and can get along with anyone. … All students here need to do is say 'Hi' to another student and you can be instant friends.”

The report also rates colleges in eight areas. Pitt-Bradford's top marks were in fire safety, financial aid and admissions selectivity.

The university received a rating of 94 out of 99 for fire safety, and 89 out of 99 for financial aid. The Princeton Review said that the average amount of each freshman scholarship and grant package is $10,318.

Pitt-Bradford also received an admissions selectivity rating of 85 out of 99. The acceptance rate at the university is 51 percent, with 22 percent of students entering with a grade point average of more than 3.75.

Last month, Pitt-Bradford and three of its programs - business, education and nursing - earned recognition from Colleges of Distinction.