Beloit College

Photo: Beloit College. Retrieved from: www.beloit.edu

The history of Beloit College stretches back to before Wisconsin was even established as a state and rested as merely just a territory. Although the initial establishment gave students the opportunity to select their own courses, regardless of relevancy to each other – over the years, the curriculum has become much more structured and beneficial to students, without taking away such freedoms. Beloit, today, is most commonly known for the Anthropology program offered, but also gives students the opportunity to venture into the Political Science and psychology programs as well. Faculty members accommodate each student with academic and morale support in order to build a strong foundation for their professional careers.

Beloit is home to students from all across the United States, as well as over 35 different nations across the globe. This type of diverse atmosphere encourages students to explore different cultures and perspectives during their college years, introducing them to new opportunities and viewpoints. Offering students the choice in over 50 majors and programs, taught by an experienced staff of educated professors, nearly all of which hold a Ph.D in their individual subject areas. When it comes to providing students with a well-rounded environment, Beloit College has established a true home-away-from-home, located on a beautiful 40-acre campus consisting of a calm wooded environment and over 25 inspiring architectural structures throughout the campus.

School History

Beloit College was founded in 1846 by a group of seven New England settlers that established grounds in the area nearly two years earlier. The New Englanders, all sharing the strong priority focus on education, had joined forces with local clergy and laity members, mainly from southern parts of Wisconsin and the northern parts of Illinois – to develop an academic facility for college students. This group of men became known as the Friends of Education, later establishing what is now known as Beloit College. The initial foundation was built with $7,000 offered in cash and supplies by the village of Beloit. Chartered in 1846, the first foundation for the Middle College was built in 1847 and remains the oldest college building remaining in continuous use in northwest Chicago.

Beloit College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of colleges and Schools. This accreditation has been reviewed and renewed continuously every ten years, since the school was established.

The curriculum at Beloit College was structured and inspired by Yale University, laying a strong foundation in liberal arts, yet incorporating philosophy and experimental studies. In the late 1890s, Beloit started to offer courses in evolution and sciences to strengthen the academic structure that students received. In 1895, Beloit College extended its courses and opened enrollment to women as well.

As time progressed, evolution itself shaped the structure of Beloit. After and in between both World War I and World War II, the curriculum was repeatedly altered, incorporating more professional and life experience courses in attempts to keep the student body well prepared for life after graduation. However, throughout the years, the main focus of Beloit College has never changed, to offer students the most effective and well-rounded academic and social education possible.

Campus Life

Campus life at Beloit College offers students a close community for them to grow within. Students can find a wide variety of social, athletic and academic inspiration and guidance that will open up new opportunities for them. Many students engage in the fraternity and sorority organizations established throughout the campus, helping them to build strong, long-lasting relationships. Both students and faculty pride themselves on maintaining an open-minded community that accepts and utilizes diversity and free-thinking. All students are encouraged to create the clubs, organizations, opportunities and change that they would like added to the existing structure on campus. This helps to ensure that all students are fully accommodated with all they should need or want while attending college.

Rarely a dull moment on campus with over 100 clubs and organizations operating on any given day throughout the grounds. Many students also enjoy taking a trip down one of the many natural walks and trails located on and off campus, exploring the nearby attractions and landmarks. Since the campus is located just under 100 miles from Chicago, many students often take weekend trips together to enjoy shopping, theatre and a wide variety of fine cuisine.

Most of the student body lives on campus in one of the various residential houses. With currently over 15 specialty houses established throughout the campus, including fraternities, sororities and honor societies, students have their choice to dorm with their peers in housing settings, or room with one or two peers in the apartment-like buildings. Since nearly ¾ of the student body works on campus, students can enjoy the flexibility of working, living and studying amounts their peers, giving them the advantage of continuous and multiple support channels.

Financial Aid

Beloit College offers students multiple resources to explore for funding options. Consistently recognized as a “Best Value” status amongst educational facilities across the country, Beloit is proud to remain an affordable institution offering a four-year degree. The Office of Financial Aid is available to help all students explore their funding options to ensure a well-optimized college experience. First-year and transfer students are encouraged to visit the office to discuss additional funding options, which can reduce the amount of out-of-pocket expenses throughout the school year.

Merit-based and athletic scholarships are available to all eligible students. Beloit College offers students the opportunity to utilize third-party funding resources such as grants and artistic awards to ensure the least amount of financial stress during the school year. Financial aid counselors are available to assist students in the application and deadline process, as well as guidance for both students and their families. All students are encouraged to take advantage of the work study program offered at Beloit, which consistently employs over 75% of the student body with positions on campus.