Mount Vernon, Iowa | 978 undergraduates

Cornell College may be small, but it’s a BIG innovator in liberal arts education. Its approach has landed it in every release of Colleges That Change Lives and many other noteworthy lists. The centerpiece of its curriculum is One Course at a Time. The academic year is divided into eight blocks, and students immerse themselves in a single class for three-and-a-half weeks with no competing coursework. The schedule fosters a freedom and intensity for learning through extended class periods and labs, deeper discussions and greater hands-on experiential learning, including study abroad. Compare it to a traditional semester schedule. Upon course completion, students get what’s called a Block Break, or four days of open time to travel, volunteer or simply relax. There’s a rhythm to campus life because of a common schedule—classes are all out by 3 p.m. creating time for students to follow other passions like campus activities, athletics or the arts, internships or any other interests. Beyond transformational academics, the school is recognized for being located in one of coolest small towns, and its entire charming campus is on the National Historic Registry. See college website, CTCL excerpts, We're not in Ithaca and pictures of our visit.

Towson, Maryland | 1,480 undergraduates | 2,148 total enrollment

This East Coast school is recognized as one of the most innovative liberal arts schools in the country. Goucher College was first to make study abroad a requirement so students graduate with greater global perspective. Goucher was also first to launch a video application, in which students can submit two of their best pieces of work and a two-minute video clip. While Goucher still accepts the Common Application, in the words of their president, “…maybe test bubbles aren’t your thing, that’s okay. We want to know what you want to do with your life, what you want out of college…how you want to change the world.” Every accepted applicant is automatically considered for merit aid. With top-tier academics and 33 majors, Goucher’s curriculum emphasizes what it calls the 3Rs, Relationship, Resilience and Reflection. (See video.) Students flock from all over to attend, representing 45 states and 50 countries. In addition to a beautiful wooded campus with a lot to take advantage of—Goucher also boasts a great location as it’s only eight miles from Baltimore, an hour from DC, and three hours from New York. Not to mention, graduates have great employment and grad school rates. For more information, check out Why Goucher, CTCL and Goucher's website.

St. Petersburg, Florida | 1,800 undergraduates

The first words you’ll see in visiting Eckerd's website are THINK OUTSIDE. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, there’s a lot of love about this CTCL school. Let’s start with the waterfront campus, which provides living laboratories as extensions to the classroom and an incredible outdoor playground! We must mention that a student ID gives students access to sailboats, wakeboards, waterskiing and fishing trips. Beyond a paradise-like campus, Eckerd is known for excellent academics and an innovative liberal arts program. Mentoring is a priority. Every student gets a faculty mentor who serves as a caring sounding board and guide to help students chart their own four-year path. Among a strong lineup of majors and minors, Eckerd’s Marine Science program is nationally renowned. Another highlight is Autumn Term, an intensive three-week orientation program acclimating first-year students to their classmates and college-level thinking. The average student travels 900 miles to Eckerd, with students hailing from 48 states and 32 countries. Eckerd does not have minimum requirements and about 70 percent of applicants are accepted. It’s also considered a place where B students can really excel. With 1,800 students, classes are small and the community close-knit. Other highlights, study abroad, athletics, campus life and top-tier sailing. Check out this video and CTCL excerpts.

Moraga, California | 2,754 undergraduates | 4,030 total enrollment

Saint Mary's College is a small, private liberal arts college, with a breathtaking campus just 23 miles outside of San Francisco. Of the 40 Colleges That Change Lives, interestingly Saint Mary’s is the only Californian or Catholic institution on the list. SMC as it’s called for short—is regarded for excellent academics, a deep commitment to serving others and innovative programs. All SMC students are required to take four Seminars—a unique immersion in Great Books. There are no lectures, and students come together in a small roundtable setting to discuss, debate and listen (and sometimes argue!) the interpretation of ideas. January term is equally transformative. Here, students take a single class (outside of their major), so they can explore a new interest intensely. SMC prides itself on its diversity, and over half of the students are students of color. SMC offers a close-knit, compassionate culture, where students can learn from people with many different backgrounds and experiences. At SMC, private definitely doesn’t mean exclusive or out-of-reach. Roughly 69 percent of applicants are accepted. Notably, 75 percent of freshmen receive financial aid, and the average undergraduate financial package is $31,995. Other highlights include Division I Sports, study abroad and so much more. For more info, see virtual tour, CTCL excerpts, FAQs and college website.