Thiel College is a homeschool-friendly college in western Pennsylvania with a student-focused individualized higher learning approach.
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As a homeschool mom and an advocate for individualized learning experiences, I’m always excited when I hear about colleges that are friendly to homeschool students and allow students to personalize their educational experience. Thiel College fits both of those criteria!
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What makes Thiel College Homeschool-Friendly?
Fair Admissions Requirements
First, the admissions requirements for homeschooled students at Thiel College are the same as they are for traditional students. This is not always the case at other colleges.
Although most colleges have become more homeschool-friendly in recent years as homeschooling has become more recognized as a legitimate means of education, many still try to make homeschool families jump through additional hoops during the admissions process.
Thiel College recognizes that homeschooling is just as valid as other educational choices and embraces the individualized learning experiences of each family. They even encourage families to have conversations with admissions counselors so the college can get the full picture of each homeschool student’s high school experience and each student can receive personalized advisement.
Small Community
Some homeschool students may find it overwhelming to jump right into a huge college campus after learning in one-on-one or small class settings. At Thiel College, 70% of classes have less than 20 students and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1.
This allows students to receive more individualized attention from the highly-regarded Thiel faculty, 80% of whom hold the highest degree possible in their field.
What’s more, 95% of students live on campus, giving a true community experience. There are over 100 teams, activities, and organizations for all different kinds of interests, and Thiel College even encourages students to start new clubs or activities if one doesn’t already exist to meet their needs.
What’s more, there are two hours set aside each week when classes are not held, so students can focus on community involvement!
Transition Services
Thiel College encourages strong parent and family connections as students transition into college. Parents are included in orientation and other campus events throughout the year, and there is a special newsletter to keep families updated on current campus events.
Thiel’s First Year Experience for Student Success offers students the opportunity to connect with other students and faculty before classes begin. Both online and on-campus events help students make a smooth transition into college life.
Then, during the first semester, students will be enrolled in a course with a small group of other freshmen to dive deep into a topic of their choosing. This is a great way for new students to simultaneously form relationships and practice the critical thinking and research skills that are needed for college success!
Finally, the Theil Learning Commons provides students with free academic services, such as tutoring, study skills, and writing labs. Every college student can use extra support from time to time, and it’s good to know such a resource is available for students who are transitioning from homeschool to a college campus.
What Sets Thiel College Apart?
Location
Thiel College is located in western Pennsylvania, just a 90-minute drive from both Pittsburgh and Cleveland, OH. Students can enjoy the small-town community of Greenville in Mercer County, PA and its surrounding countryside, but they can also take advantage of the dynamic cultural experiences, internships, and educational trips available in nearby urban centers.
Academics
Thiel College offers dual credit, as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in 60+ areas of study. Five-year master’s degree and pre-professional programs through cooperative programs with other institutions give students a myriad of academic options.
In fact, many Thiel graduates go on to study at top institutions like Duke, Harvard, Oxford, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, and Yale.
A well-rounded educational experience includes cultural learning, and students at Thiel can take advantage of study abroad opportunities and domestic educational excursions to major metropolitan areas.
Financial Aid
College is an investment in your future, but most families need some kind of assistance to pay for it. It’s no different at Thiel College, where 99% of students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and employment opportunities. Be sure to list Thiel College on your FAFSA!
Customized Learning
Thiel has three specialized programs to give students a customized learning experience.
The Dietrich Honors Institute is available by invitation only to incoming freshmen and transfer students who have shown strong leadership, service, or academic commitment. Members of the program enjoy a customized curriculum, scholarship eligibility, educational trips, honors housing, and early registration.
The Deitrich Foundation recognizes Thiel as a premier institution along with Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh, and Princeton.
The Haller Enterprise Institute gives entrepreneurial-minded students the opportunity to network, gain scholarship eligibility, have a guaranteed seat in the popular Intro to Entrepreneurship course, and get the chance to receive awards for their entrepreneurial efforts.
The Health Professionals Institute gives those headed into the healthcare field an intensely focused experience through hands-on learning, mentorship, guided tours, seminars, and interview coaching.
Career Outlook for Graduates
Thiel College graduates have no problem finding work after graduation. Within three months of graduation, 95% of Thiel students are either employed in their field or studying for a post-graduate degree.
The fact that 100% of the student body completes internships or practicums prior to graduation is probably a major contributing factor to job search success. The network of 15,000 highly engaged alumni might add to this success as well.
As you can see, Thiel College has a lot to offer all of its students.
Its homeschool-friendly policies, small community, and superior transition services make it an attractive choice for homeschool graduates. The individualized learning opportunities follow nicely with the educational philosophy of many homeschooling families.