Art, engineering programs listed as 'strong' in 2014 Fiske guide

Art, engineering programs listed as 'strong' in 2014 Fiske guide 7/15/13 Alfred University (AU) makes the lists of “strong” small colleges and universities in “art or design” (one of 24) and “engineering” (one of 19) in the 2014 edition of the “Fiske Guide to Colleges.” The guide also includes the AU as an affordable higher education choice under the “inexpensive” private colleges and universities category. AU is one of close to 300 “of the best and most interesting institutions in the nation” selected for inclusion in the guide out of more than 2,200 U.S. colleges and universities. “The university boasts highly respected programs in art and design, as well as ceramic engineering. Innovation not only shapes the curriculum, but also has a profound effect on campus life. Small classes and friendly competition support this diversity while encouraging individuals to succeed,” reads the guide. Compiled by former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske for 30 years, the guide looks at a broad range of subjects, including student body, academics, social life, financial aid, campus setting, housing, food, and extracurricular activities. “The university and its students share a no-nonsense approach to education,” the guide maintains. “Whatever their major, all students enjoy small classes and the quality of teaching is described as very high … Most classes are taught by full professors, with graduate students and teaching assistants helping out only in lab sessions.” “Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014” (ISBN: 9781402260643; JULY 2, 2013; $23.99 U.S.; College Guide/Reference; Trade Paper) is available in bookstores and online purchase. The guide is also available as an iPad app on iTunes and a Web app on CollegeCountdown.com. “Fiske Interactive” ($19.99) allows families to go beyond the book by viewing photos of each campus, creating school lists, and taking virtual notes. Founded in 1836, Alfred University became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. About 2,000 full-time undergraduate and 400 graduate students work and live in 52 buildings on a scenic 232acre hillside campus adjoining the village of Alfred. The University is comprised of the privately endowed College of Professional Studies, housing the School of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as the state-sponsored College of Ceramics housing the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design. Bachelor&s, master&s, and doctoral degrees are awarded..