Goucher College

Goucher College, in Baltimore, Maryland is a former women's college of 1100 undergraduates that went coed in 1987. It is a campus of globally minded students, and social activism is prevalent. Their commitment to global awareness is real: all students are required to study abroad; there are year-long and semester-long programs as well as 4-week concentrated courses offered during the summer and January term. The core curriculum is centered around 2 common inquiry areas. The first is race, power, and perspective; as the faculty member presenting explained to us, Goucher believes students need to be reckoning with these 3 issues. This conversation begins with a required summer read. The second common inquiry area is environmental sustainability, with courses focusing on climate change and a green economy. Most popular majors here are Psychology, Chemistry, Business, Dance, and Biological Sciences. Some interesting other majors include Integrative Arts Studies, Peace Studies, Professional and Creative Writing, and Visual and Material Culture. Some unique minors include Religion and Justice, Arts Management, and Equine Studies. In fact, they have a nationally ranked IHSA equestrian team.

There's a first year residential village designed with community interaction in mind. Each of the 3 buildings has a communal gathering space including a gaming lounge, a theater space for watching movies, and a full kitchen. All coed bathrooms are communal.

They are currently breaking ground for a brand new 44,000 square foot science building. $40 million has already been raised, and the additional $10 million is anticipated in donations from alumni next year. With an endowment of $380 million, the president is committed to not taking on debt.

The student body is 52% non-white and one third of the students are first generation. As they aptly claimed, "We look like America."