Colby College

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of the oldest private colleges in the U.S. and prides itself on the opportunities it provides for undergraduate research. Each January, students complete a "Jan Plan," an exploratory term that allows them to focus on a single subject or experience. That can mean anything from learning the art of fly fishing in California to studying West African music and performing live. While students are only required to complete three Jan Plans, often students will elect to complete a fourth term because the experience is so enjoyable. On campus, Colby's 2,000 undergraduates praise the close relationships they're able to form with professors, some of whom even invite students over for home-cooked dinners. Academically, the top fields of study are economics, natural resources conservation and research, and political science. The campus has an idyllic, New England feel, with an on-campus arboretum and nature trails. But its location in central Maine is a bit off the beaten path, with the nearest large city, Portland, some 90 minutes to the south. While the total cost of tuition, room, board and activities is nearly $80,000 a year, the average annual cost is brought down under $20,000 through grants and scholarships; lower-income students can expect to have nearly 100% of their costs covered.