5 Reasons Why You Should Go to College in New England   

As a high school student inching closer to graduation with each passing day, you may be looking beyond the walls of your high school to ponder where to go to college. You might consider the sprawling mountains in the Midwest, the country charm of the South or the ocean breeze on the beaches of the West Coast. There are many options to explore, but none quite compare to New England.    

The fall foliage alone would be reason enough to study here, but the career opportunities and cultural experiences are just as excellent. Here are a few incentives for choosing to go to college in New England:  

1. High Academic Standards

Of the eight Ivy League schools, four are colleges in the New England area. Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth are some of the best schools in the country, and they are all a few hours away from Gordon College. Gordon likewise expects quality work from its students––the college has been recognized nationally as one of Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges for the past 11 years.  

In addition the establishment of seven new schools enhances Gordon’s reputation as a reputable liberal arts college in New England. Gordon’s new schools cover a range of subjects, including science and health, education and business—just to name a few. The Herschend School of Education is ranked nationally, and the School of Business recently added four new majors. 

2. The Incredible Culture     

New England holds great historical significance, and many consider it the birthplace of America. The town of Salem, only 20 minutes from Gordon, is where the famous Salem Witch Trials occurred in the 1600s. Other nearby historical sites include several museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA) and the Mark Twain House & Museum (Hartford, CT). Attractions like Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA) and the Freedom Trail (Boston, MA) are also fascinating places to visit.   

While New England is rich in history, it is also rich in diversity and fosters expression of cultures from around the world—often in the form of food. Thai Blue Ginger (Greenfield, MA), Saray II Turkish Restaurant (Springfield, MA) and Brazilian Grill (Hyannis, MA) are just a few examples of the exemplary cultural food options in the area.  

In keeping with the diversity of New England, Gordon College’s Shalom Statement expresses the belief that a diverse student population reflects a biblical design. At Gordon this belief is lived out in student life and various organizations, such as the Multicultural Initiatives Office Ambassadors and La Raza (a club celebrating Hispanic heritage), to name a few.    

3. Career and Internship Opportunities    

Boston’s economy is booming, with close to 10,000 jobs added last year and an unemployment rate lower than the national average. Scientific and technical services, finance and education are common career fields in Boston, and Gordon’s Career and Connection Institute helps students find internships and jobs in these fields and more. Biotech companies are particularly abundant in Boston, with work being done to research both mental and physical ailments. Boston is also a hub of music and the arts, with the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall located downtown.  

Many Gordon alumni have benefitted from choosing a college in the Boston area. One former student, Joelle Brown ’24 (communication arts), recently completed an intern ship with the Boston Bruins, while another alumna is currently excelling in a managerial role at HubSpot.  

Current students at Gordon have many outlets to kickstart their careers. Dr. Kristen Siaw (physics, chemistry) has provided opportunities for undergraduate students to be involved in research that is often only available at a graduate level. Gordon has won four National Science Foundation grants that give s tudents the chance to work on high-level research, and Gordon professors have professional links to R1-level research schools, such as Boston University.  

4. Great Quality of Life   

One notable feature of colleges in the Northeast is their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s convenient to go for a swim or lie on the beach, but the water isn’t all New England has to offer. As the weather grows colder, the forests and hiking trails become vibrant with colorful leaves . Students at Gordon can witness this beauty by walking on the campus’s own hiking trails or traveling to a nearby hiking spot, like the Chebacco Woods (South Hamilton, MA) or the Blue Hills Reservation (Milton, MA).   

Another typical Gordon activity is visiting Boston. Students enjoy going to the city to see their favorite artists and sports teams play at Fenway Park or TD Garden. There are also several sections of the city devoted to shopping and dining. Student Naomi Love ’27 (psychology ) traveled from San Diego to spend her college days in the Greater Boston area. Love says, “Our cities are very different. In California we don’t have the public transportation that New England has, connecting all the way from Boston to New York City.” She also appreciates the weather in New England: “I also really like the change of seasons—seeing all of the trees change colors for the fall and all the flowers in bloom for the spring.”  

Experience College in New England at Gordon 

Going to college should be a time of growth, to expand the mind and enjoy new experiences. Studying in New England meets these needs for a diversity of incoming students. To make your college decision a little easier, plan a trip today to visit Gordon College, and start envisioning a future filled with winding New England roads and brightly colored leaves.      

Reagan Forbes ’24, communication arts