Recently, Elizabethtown College has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction for the institution’s commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education, dedicated to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, a vibrant campus community, and successful outcomes. 

In addition to being honored as a 2024-25 College of Distinction, Etown was also named a Pennsylvania College of Distinction and a Private College of Distinction, as well as earning additional recognition in the areas of Business, Education, Engineering, and Career Development.

“We take pride in providing Elizabethtown College students with a transformative education through high-impact experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom so our Blue Jays can achieve their academic and professional goals,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “This year’s recognition as a College of Distinction is a testament to that commitment to real-world learning and excellence.”

Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, utilizes an extensive selection process that focuses on qualitative criteria, an evaluation process that differs from those of popular college rankings publications that rely heavily on statistics. To be accepted, institutions must adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.

As a College of Distinction, Etown has demonstrated excellence in each of these areas, providing its students with a supportive and enriching environment that prepares them for successful careers and lives:

  • Engaged Students – Students at Etown have the opportunity to transform their courses into demonstrated, real-world action through the College’s five Signature Learning Experiences (SLEs) which include a capstone course, project, or portfolio; community-based learning; cross-cultural experiences; internship, field placement, or practicum; and supervised research.
  • Great Teaching – Students at Etown have meaningful interactions with faculty in First-Year Seminars, experiential courses, and collaborative research. That impact continues long after leaving Etown, with 96% of graduates reporting having a professor who made them excited about learning.
  • Vibrant Community – Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. Etown offers over 80 student clubs and organizations, affinity-based Living Learning Communities (LLCs), and year-round community service opportunities to help students find a sense of belonging and purpose throughout their campus experience.
  • Successful Outcomes – The undergraduate experience works cohesively to prepare students not only for graduation but for life after. Etown graduates surpass national averages for admissions to medical, business, and law schools with 97% of graduates being employed or pursuing continuing education within one year of graduation.

“Elizabethtown College’s curriculum encourages meaningful student-faculty collaboration through experiential learning that is relevant and applicable to the real world,” Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction said. “With a welcoming community, an immersive curriculum, and strong support networks, Etown is undoubtedly nurturing the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”

View Elizabethtown College’s Colleges of Distinction profile page.

Learn more about Elizabethtown College or attend an on-campus Open House this summer on Saturday, July 13. Register today at etown.edu.

About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.